Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

This serious issue affects people in mortgage arrears. I would like to mention something that was not announced yesterday. It did not merit a Government press release or press conference. Last week, the Minister, Deputy Burton, commenced a statutory instrument and laid it before the House. It was buried in Iris Oifigiúil. Essentially, it begins the phasing out and cutting of mortgage interest supplement, which is the most practical scheme that helps low-income families to avail of State support to keep the banks at bay and stay in their houses. Where is the social solidarity? The broken promise of burning the bondholders will get its final burial this week, when €1 billion is paid by the Taoiseach.

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