Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

The Leader knows that he is very safe with me standing behind him. The issue of mortgages is serious, as attested to by all Senators, but the banks are being flexible with those who are up front with them. I make a distinction in that regard. We have compassion and sympathy for those who got themselves into an intolerable position and are now unable to meet their repayments, but buy-to-let merchants are in a different category. I agree with the Central Bank that the banks are not doing enough in this regard.