Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Acceptance of this amendment would double the lack of resource from the land annuitant to the State. As I indicated on Committee Stage, these people are not necessarily those with significant arrears. This was on the basis of a fair system where, despite a 50% write-off and a review of repayments, significant arrears still exist. It is unjustifiable on the basis of the asset that has been accrued and because there is better access to financial assistance such as loans or mortgages through the private sector rather than the State sector. It is best that the Government tries to address and bring to finality the issue of annuitants. I appreciate the Senator's point but I cannot accept his amendment.