Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Keane report as a first step in dealing with the big problems of people who are unable to pay their mortgages in full. In the Dáil yesterday the Taoiseach asked for further suggestions. I support Senators Darragh O'Brien, Byrne and others in calling for a wide range of measures to deal with the issue. They mentioned the suggestions from New Beginning. We should be able to get cross-party support on this major issue. New Beginning has suggested a cap of 35% of the net income with perhaps leaving €100,000 aside for some time for some people with mortgages. We should invite representatives of New Beginning to brief us on their proposals and the briefing should take place either in the Seanad Chamber or in an adjoining room. I spoke to Mr. David Ball of New Beginning yesterday. He indicated that he and his colleagues would be willing to come and address us on that issue.