Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State's comment that, in addition to the Keane report, the Government is open to many suggestions on what can be done to move matters forward. That report is not the answer to all of the problems, but it is an important block in finding the solution. I share the criticism that the report does not represent consumer groups or mortgage holders, on whose behalf many Senators have spoken in this debate. The Minister of State is aware of New Beginning. The Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform is holding hearings to thrash out proposals and possible solutions offered by such groups. There is a real sense of urgency, as the budget will be announced in six weeks time. Having heard the comments of the Minister and the Minister of State, I know it will contain measures to tackle this issue.

The family home is important, whether it ends up being rented under a local authority mortgage-to-rent scheme or through a voluntary housing agency. It is important the family unit stays in the home and the children continue to attend their local school. We must do whatever we can to keep people in their homes.

Some mortgages are distressed, while others are not. In addition, some people cannot pay, while others will not do so. We need to work with people in paying whatever they can. There is no blanket solution because these matters need to be tackled on a case by case basis. As the property market is stagnant, we need to get back to a position where properties can move. People should be able to buy again, trading up or down-sizing, as they wish.

Personal insolvency is an extremely important issue that needs to be addressed. In 2010 the Law Reform Commission produced a report on the issue which is also mentioned in the programme for Government. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, is working on it and has promised to produce legislation to deal with it. He has been working hard since his appointment; therefore, I have every confidence that the legislation will be forthcoming.

There are many templates on how to deal with the issue. We need only look across the water to see what is being proposed. It is being proposed in Great Britain and Northern Ireland that they move move away from the courts in obtaining a debt settlement to avoid lengthy and expensive court hearings. It is possible to do this and there are many examples. We need to get on with tackling the issue in this country, as we have had too many reports. If we are to relieve people of their debt - I am not saying we will have a debt write-off - we must put them in a position in which they can work and reignite their entrepreneurial skills which will be very important to the recovery of the economy. I am very conscious of the language I am using. We must always bear in mind that there are some who simply cannot pay but who still have something to offer. They are burdened with endless debt. Our outdated bankruptcy law is not doing them any good and certainly is not contributing to future economic development. These are the issues that need to be tackled.

The report represents one step and one solution. We cannot go on as we are. Mortgage interest relief is a stopgap; it is not the solution for everybody. It is a forbearance issue, from which we need to move on. It is urgent that this matter be addressed and we should proceed on a case by case basis. The most important step for society at this point is to keep people in their family homes.