Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is extremely slow if one is looking for people to go bankrupt. Moreover, I do not believe this is the way in which to hold onto one's home. Personally, I favour the Central Bank being far more proactive with the banks. While I acknowledge they have been given targets, I read the transcripts of the meetings of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform held here during the first week of September. Professor Honohan appeared before the aforementioned joint committee, as did all the banks. As for using the mortgage arrears resolution process, MARP, as an instrument, not a single bank itemised how many people were at the communication stage, the assessment stage, the resolution stage or the appeal stage. Although an instrument is available, it is not being used as a tool to manage and measure. Members are aware of what this country went through with the banks. They know what happened when Mr. Neary did not regulate. As an instrument now is available, why is it not being used to put the screws on the banks? As for letting the banks off the hook completely by allowing them simply to send out letters, that is not a measurement tool and is inadequate. While that farce is under way on one hand, on the other hand mortgage interest supplement is being phased out. I can see the homeowner losing out in this regard and consequently, I want to see this joined up and tied up in such a way that our priority as a nation is to assist people to stay in and to hold on to their homes. From a banking and Government perspective, sustainable solutions should be sought and I look forward to hearing the Minister's reply.