John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The banks are queuing up to bring people to court.

My answer to all of that is to call on this House to say "No" to vulture funds and to say "Yes" to families and to keeping them in their homes. I ask Members to support this Bill. Debate the Bill, amend it and add to it. I invite Members to do what they like to improve it, but please bring it to the House for a full debate. I am introducing the Bill, but I ask Deputies of every single party and none to find space on agenda in order that it might be debated. If it is not Fianna Fáil that takes this matter forward, it could be Sinn Féin, Labour, Fine Gael or anyone else. It could be the Independent Alliance. Regardless of who it is, the critical thing is that society needs an answer to the problems of today. We will not find that answer in the Bills that are hanging around this House. Unfortunately, there seems to be a reluctance to take on the vulture funds or to walk away from financial institutions and banks and allow them to fend for themselves.

We are repeatedly informed by the banks that the protection for the mortgage holder travels with the loan. That is simply not true. By turning a blind eye, we are allowing the vulture funds to do huge damage to society and to families. Please, let us find the time to debate this Bill and have it enacted.

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