Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I read with some surprise in the Irish Independent today that in the case of people whose mortgages are in arrears and who die, their mortgage protection policy does not cover the amount outstanding on the mortgage. One should not hear this news at a time of a bereavement. This came to light in the circumstances of the sad case related to Priory Hall when Stephanie Meehan's partner passed away. She still owed €17,000, despite the fact that the mortgage protection policy was paid out. I ask for a debate with the Minister for Finance on a range of issues about mortgages. It is important that guidance on this particular issue would be given in advance to people in mortgage arrears. It should be agreed between the bank and the insurance company providing the protection policy as to the amount in arrears in order that an adjustment could be made to the policy during the lifetime of home owners. More than 100,000 people are more than 100 days in arrears on their mortgage. This is a very live issue. I request a debate on mortgage concerns, in particular, mortgage arrears. I am not certain that things are going as swimmingly as is portrayed in some reports. There are also concerns about tracker mortgages.