Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for raising this sensitive matter in a serious fashion. I have often made the point that numbers of people have lived for the banks and existed for the mortgage. I know many families are under pressure and suffering stress. That is why it has been necessary to take a comprehensive view of what is going on.

The Government produced the Keane report which made a number of recommendations to the Government. An implementation group has been set up in the Department of Finance which is dealing with trade-down mortgages, split mortgages and mortgages to rent. The Government has introduced a pilot scheme in respect of the mortgage-to-rent scheme for distressed households. Mr. Declan Keane proposed the introduction of two new Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government mortgage-to-rent schemes utilising approved housing bodies such as Clúid leasing to local authorities. That work is being assisted by these bodies. It is anticipated that the first transactions under the pilot scheme will commence soon. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and his Department continue to work with the agencies. The Government will run two pilot schemes encompassing about 500 householders, one with housing agencies and the other with local authorities. It is estimated that 10,000 households could be involved eventually. That is the process by which the Keane report will be dealt with, including the other things I have mentioned such as sale by agreement.

On the Personal Insolvency Bill, the Government is determined to proceed in a number of areas that will not require the taking of a judicial route. The Deputy is aware that the Bill is already at Committee Stage and will be brought back to the House in a couple of weeks. The Government will appreciate constructive suggestions and proposals from every Member on this matter. I would like to think this could be done comprehensively and quickly, but that is not possible. I am aware many people are under pressure, but these are the elements of the strategy Government will implement to alleviate the pressure and stress on affected families.

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