Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

The specific instance cottages scheme was a system whereby local authorities undertook to build social housing on a site provided by the tenant. This allowed individuals living in rural areas to have a home built on their own land, with an option to purchase after one year. However, I understand the scheme has been more or less discontinued - by the Department rather than by individual local authorities. Will the Minister of State consider reopening and rolling out that scheme in a progressive manner?

The banks in this country are a disgrace, none more so than the pillar institutions that were guaranteed by the taxpayer. I am not making a political point in this regard; I accord blame to former Ministers from my own party for how the matter was handled. The banks must be challenged on their failure to provide mortgage finance. They are claiming to be open for such lending but it is simply not the case. Any public representative, anywhere in the country, will confirm this. At the same time they are placing dreadful pressure on mortgage holders who have fallen into arrears. These institutions must be held to account. What steps has the Minister of State taken or does she intend to take to urge the chief executive officers of the banks to take action on the provision of mortgage finance and reduce the burden they are placing on customers who have fallen into arrears with their mortgage repayments?