Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I am just finishing.

The new programme would mean that people would surrender their homes to the new owners in exchange for an immediate and unconditional debt write-off. The former owners would then be offered long-term leases should they wish to stay in their homes. The State can help people to pay their rent if their income is not enough and gradually people could recover knowing that their homes are safe.

It is time we re-examined this whole scheme to ensure that people who are meant to be looked after are accommodated in an appropriate fashion.

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