Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

Last evening, while canvassing for Senator Paschal Donohoe in Dublin Central, I came across a number of people who have serious difficulties with their mortgages. I encountered the same anger of which Senator Walsh spoke. Considering that we have bailed out these banks, I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on fixed-rate mortgages. One lady, who has lost her job, told me it would cost her €11,000 in penalties to change from a fixed rate mortgage. This is a crime.

In my constituency, which is also the Leader's constituency, a small business owner told me that since the bail out of the banks his bank charges have increased. What is going on? People are put to the pin of their collars trying to make ends meet. The Government has the power to impose levies on banks to discourage them from ripping off our people, especially with regard to fixed-rate mortgages.