Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I suspect that if I were on the other side of the House, I would be raising this issue on Private Members' business. I do not criticise the Opposition for doing so because this is a seminal issue. There are many issues that will define the country's comeback from crisis to recovery that are out of our hands and determined by international factors, including the status of the eurozone but mortgage arrears comprises an issue that is entirely within our hands and one that we can resolve for ourselves because of the extraordinary recapitalisation of the banking sector by the Irish taxpayer. It is, therefore, right and proper that the Opposition has tested the Government last night and tonight. I do not blame it for having done so.

The remarks made by Deputy Neville are also critical as they go to the heart of the debate. I refer to the enormous stress that mortgage impairment is exerting on families and to the ability of people to fight back after four or five really challenging years. The Government has made it absolutely clear that this issue is a priority this year. We have set very firm deadlines and targets with the pillar banks for the resolution of the problem, and they must achieve them.

Deputy Niall Collins asked me my view on the banking sector.

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