Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If the eviction takes place, the couple involved will invariably end up on the housing list and the county council will be obliged to purchase a house for them in good time or at some stage. In the event that the couple are obliged to rent a property, rent allowance will have to be paid. If the eviction is followed through to its conclusion, it will end up costing the taxpayer more. Of course, that does not take into account the distress and anxiety caused to this family and others like them. We suggested that an independent mortgage resolution office should be established and that such an entity would have real independent oversight with regard to the relationships between mortgage companies, banks and their customers.

The lack of such independent oversight is a major flaw in the regime currently in place. The banks and the mortgage companies are in the driving seat 100% on these issues and the State cannot just leave it to the discretion of the judicial system alone. There must be more solid intervention using the full apparatus of the State.

Will the Taoiseach intervene? Will he appoint an official in government or in his Department to intervene in this case? Do I take it from his original reply that he will not do that? Can he clarify that? Will he appoint someone to explore options in this case and to intervene on behalf of the family?

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