Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this Bill. Along with Deputies Mattie McGrath and Michael Collins, I met the PSA and we dealt with several issues. What occurred at that meeting was a realisation that the current legislation from 2004 is far too weak and needs to be strengthened. I support what this Bill is trying to do, because this is exactly what we must do to protect people in repossession cases or where there are court orders. What has happened in this State is scandalous. I am aware of a widow, who was very sick, who had her land ploughed up by thugs. They were acting in the interests of a bank. In this day and age, it is beyond belief that this type of activity is happening. We are witnessing people being dragged from their homes.

In addition to strengthening this Bill to ensure there is regulation and vetting of all security personnel used by banks, we must also ensure that banks are regulated. Homeowners need protection. Only last week, I got a call from a distressed mortgage holder who told me that he made an arrangement with a bank after six or seven different people from the bank phoned him. It was verging on harassment. He made the arrangement, that was reneged on it, and the bank then sent him a letter for an amount that was €150 higher than what was agreed. People are still being subjected to harassment, so I feel we need to take preventive measures, as well as the measures contained in this legislation which I welcome wholeheartedly.

We must ensure that people are treated fairly and with respect. There is no need for violence, aggression or threats today. There should be security personnel who are professionals and who are regulated by the PSA. That will be of benefit in future, but preventive measures must also be taken. I ask that that aspect be taken on board, because it is a bit high-handed that we have people paying mortgages, and the banks profiteering on the mortgage breaks which we had during this pandemic, and then coming over heavy-handed with people. We are, unfortunately, going to see more repossessions because of this pandemic. People need to be treated with respect and with fairness. We are all responsible for the laws enacted in this country. We must ensure that they are enacted for our people and that it is done with fairness, equality and respect for all in this land.

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