Marie Moloney (Labour)

I would like the Minister to clarify some aspects of the Bill which are unclear. I know she will be able to enlighten us. Subsection (b)(ii) states: "prior to entering into the alternative payment arrangement referred to in subparagraph (i) the person had entered into and had complied with a different alternative repayment arrangement agreed between that person and his or her mortgage lender...". The Minister might enlighten us in that regard because it is unclear. It appears two arrangements are being sought. My concern is that many vulnerable people would not be good negotiators. They would go into the bank but would not be able to negotiate with the bank which is a powerful force, as we have come to know over the years. Many of our banks are now under State ownership and it is incumbent on us, as a Government, to ensure the banks enter into meaningful agreements with people who are in trouble with their mortgages. The arrears will accrue in any event because we are only supplying the interest on the mortgage. I ask the Minister to advise the House if she has had any discussions with the bank on this issue and if so, has she laid it on the line to them that they have to enter into meaningful negotiations with people who are in trouble with their mortgages. She might clarify that paragraph for us.