Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I take issue with the Minister about the banks. She echoed every word I said about them but I believe the Government has a responsibility to negotiate a deal on behalf of people who find themselves in a position where their house are repossessed. I have gone to the MABS with people and they have been told to go to the bank to negotiate a deal. The bottom line, however, is that people have no money. Regardless of how well they budget or keep their affairs in order, they are at the mercy of the bank. If the bank tells them it will repossess their house, they will end up in social housing or in receipt of rent supplement, as the Minister correctly pointed out.

The Government brokered a deal for the banks. The Minister and her colleagues in Cabinet can equally broker a deal on behalf of the people and ensure there is a moratorium on payments for people who find themselves in this very serious situation. The problem will become more apparent in January and February. I urge the Minister to do that.