Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Other than the fact that some officials are now meeting to think about the measures, it all sounds like business as usual. Some 86,000 principal dwelling home mortgages remain in arrears. In the first quarter of 2016, almost 1,900 cases have been issued for possession against owner occupier homes. In the past six months, more than 300 repossessions have occurred. We know the figures are falling for arrears, which is very welcome, but it is still a huge issue. Proceedings are being issued very rapidly. The gap between the current situation and what is contained in the programme for Government is very big. While the programme is laudable, will the Minister consider reporting back to the House on when he thinks some of these initiatives may be in place for borrowers? They need to know when the new court and the new service will be in place and so forth. Will the Minister consider a moratorium on repossessions until the new regime is in place?

See this speech in context