Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To be clear, imagination works both ways. We will take on board any idea that the Senator has, but I will not force anyone to take out a loan. The loan is available, but people are choosing not to avail of it. They are choosing local authority products instead. It is not that people do not know. The 1,100 people who chose the other mortgage would have been aware of both options. It is not our job to force them to choose this one. I agree that it is our job to advertise and promote the scheme, but brokers also encourage people to take out what are the best products for them. Under this scheme, if one fails to get credit through the normal lending institutions, this is another option. People who look to borrow money are aware of all the options. I would have no problem with putting more effort into promoting the scheme, but please do not tell me that it is our job to make them choose it. It is not.