By the time of the budget last autumn, the European Central Bank had already increased interest rates twice. Despite that, Sinn Féin chose not to provide at all for mortgage holders in its budget submission. There was zero. Not a mention. That was Sinn Féin’s response to it. What I said earlier represents a very comprehensive and strategic approach by the Government to reduce costs generally for households, including those with mortgages. Essentially, we reduced tax in the budget. We have reduced the cost of public services in health, in terms of admission charges to hospitals and inpatient charges, and in education, not only with the free book scheme, which the Deputy seems to dismiss. It is a very significant intervention for many families with mortgages that they will not face the cost of books next September.

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