Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

No Member disagrees with the principle of the banks engaging but the manner in which it is occurring is the cause of concern. One of the major criticisms during the debate on the Keane report came from FLAC, New Beginnings and others who had recommendations to make but were not part of the report. Most of us pay attention to what they say because they are at the coalface. They reflect the issues raised with us at an individual level but with a broader view. Borrowers are already in a distressed situation because they are unemployed or underemployed. The need for mortgage interest supplement is growing because people are unemployed or underemployed and we have not managed to get more people back to work. This is leading to an increase in the requirement for social welfare payments. The borrower is asked to deliver proof. How can one prove the bank is engaging with the customer? Will there be sufficient people to-----

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