Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator MacSharry deserves marks for doing so many things so well, including anger. I am disappointed the Senator is upset. On this question of mortgage arrears, we are all aware of their level at present and acknowledge the banks have been behind the curve in dealing with it. They now have the tools and have taken on hundreds of extra staff to deal with the matter. The Governor the Central Bank has become more engaged with the issue and the Central Bank, which has the power to deal with this, is putting pressure on the banks. The important thing to many people, and many of them have not dealt with this properly, is that they contact their financial adviser or bank. There is consideration and the banks must deal with this and there will be movement. That is a hopeful sign.