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

The numbers do not make a difference in me getting to the material. I can deal with the Deputies' questions and I thank them for raising the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 71 together.

I have raised the matter with the chief executive officers of all the banks and my officials continue to raise it. I have passed this view strongly to the banks and some have now indicated publicly the same view.

Participation in a wage subsidy scheme should not, in general, preclude somebody from being able to get a loan or a mortgage. This must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the banks but they are trying to strike a balance, which I understand. I also understand that it is a difficult case to make to those who are worried about whether they will be able to get a loan or a mortgage but the banks need to take care with granting a loan to people who, in a few months or next year, may not be able to repay it because their employer has ended up in difficulty due to the effects of Covid-19 or the effect of changes in the wage subsidy scheme. This goes back to the principle of ensuring that lending is done with care and in a way that is in the long-term interest of the borrower.

Again, being on one of our subsidy schemes should not, in general, preclude somebody from getting a loan but the viability of the employer and the nature of the support the employer is getting are matters that must be taken into account. It is my expectation that many of the employers that are on our wage subsidy schemes will continue to be viable and successful in the future. These subsidy schemes should be seen for what they are, namely, an exceptional bridge to get Irish employers through an exceptionally demanding time.

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