Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the concerns of Deputy McAuliffe's constituents, Derek and Sandra. I want to be in a position to ensure that if a loan is made available to Derek and Sandra, they will always be in a position to be able to repay that loan without facing additional financial hardship or difficulty. We are all aware of the huge stress and anxiety that can also be caused by the development of debt and by issues relating to mortgage arrears, and I am looking to ensure that a balance is achieved between the granting of mortgages at this point and trying to avoid the difficulties of our very recent past. I reiterate to Deputy McAuliffe my view, which has been echoed by the banks, that this issue should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Deputy Doherty will be well aware that many of the issues he is asking me to act upon are matters for the Central Bank of Ireland and are independent of me as Minister of Finance.

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