Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The first Bill referred to by Deputy Adams is known as the Dunne judgment. The heads of that Bill will come to the Government shortly. It is expected to be published in this session. It is important legislation because of the context of the pressure on the Government in working with the banks and the Central Bank in dealing with mortgages in distress and the opening of the Personal Insolvency Agency in early summer. This legislation has caused quite a number of difficulties. I expect it to be published in this session.

No legislation is necessary for the banks to involve themselves in write-downs. They have been given sufficient moneys under the recapitalisation programme to deal with an element of distressed mortgages, if they so wish. That has been referred to by several bank chief executives themselves.

The Oireachtas committee will have an important part to play in views being put forward in the consultation with the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Ms Sylda Langford and the disability groups to discuss how best to proceed in keeping the moneys intact for the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant but devising a scheme that is compliant with the law.

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