Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The Cabinet sub-committee system is becoming more about processes rather than about substance or action. It is not about giving banks incentives to deal with people in mortgage arrears. The banks have an obligation to deal with people in mortgage arrears. They were recapitalised substantially and substantial funds were made available to help people in genuine mortgage arrears and to help people come through. The fundamental point is that it is not one detail in one discrete area about which the Taoiseach was asked today; it is the central issue. The role of the banks in all of this is central.

This raises questions about the efficacy of the committee system. The Taoiseach chairs the Cabinet sub-committee on mortgage arrears. For some reason, either he had no wish, was not in a position or he could not answer the basic question put to him three or four times today on the role of banks in vetoing any solutions that might emerge from consultation under the framework of the personal insolvency Bill. Why was a press conference held in the first place if there will be another one on Friday? It is almost as if we are having a press conference about a press conference. Perhaps it is deflecting from the different messages that have emanated from Ministers. The Cabinet sub-committees are more about processes. Are people really taking part? I understand the Taoiseach chairs the Cabinet sub-committee on public service reform.

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