Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I would like to conclude my consideration of the main themes raised during the debate by referring to a point raised by a number of Deputies. The point can be summarised by questioning why a person paying all of his or her debts, and who did not go mad, should pay for the indulgence of others and why he or she should bail them out. That is a very fair point in the context of home mortgages. Approximately 20% of those paying mortgages are in financial difficulties or are parties to new arrangements with financial institutions. Approximately 80% of mortgage holders are up to date in their mortgage repayments. It is understandable that they would ask why should provision be made to assist those in financial difficulties. The response is: if we do not extend the hand of help, hope and friendship to indebted neighbours, who else will? We must not adopt a dog in the manger approach.

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