Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)

When the 12-month rest period for mortgage holders ends, local authorities should become involved to ensure that people are not evicted from their homes. Perhaps the local authorities could assume responsibility for making mortgage repayments, if necessary. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government should be asked to examine this matter because all that people are being provided with is some breathing space. I welcome the fact that there will be an increase in the level of mortgage provision and in the loans available to small and medium-sized businesses.