Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise two issues with the Tánaiste. She may be aware that last May a Supreme Court decision effectively struck down the code of conduct on mortgage arrears as a barrier to repossessions - in other words, banks no longer have to comply in full with the contents of the code of conduct on mortgage arrears before proceeding with repossession action in the courts. In essence, this makes repossessing homes easier for financial institutions. In his judgment in May, Mr. Justice Clarke strongly signalled that the Oireachtas should respond to this and that only it could close the loophole. I do not see any such measure in the legislative programme published by the Government. Does it intend to close what is an unintended loophole? We brought forward proposed legislation which will be moved in the Dáil next week.

I want to raise the scandal of the Volkswagen emissions testing which could have an impact in Europe, as it has had in the United States. I understand news is emerging that the 11 million vehicles involved do not just relate to America, but also to Europe. Is the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport taking any steps to assess the possible impact of that scandal on motorist in Ireland? As the Tánaiste knows, since 2008 the motor tax system has linked the amount of tax paid to the CO2 bands and emissions from vehicles. Can she comment on that?

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