Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Norris and his Bill. I am not necessarily supporting the Bill completely but it is an issue with which we must deal. There are over 32,000 families with difficulties repaying mortgages. Their financial position has not changed a great amount in the past few years and we now need to deal with the issue. We have a new problem in that with the flotation of shares in AIB, the bank is going to come under much pressure over the next 12 to 18 months to offload mortgages so as to look after its new shareholders. We have an obligation to householders and I specifically mean people's family homes; this is not where it is a second or third house. We must have a serious debate on the matter and I welcome the Bill. Unfortunately, I will be tied up at the health committee as we have representatives of the Health Service Executive before us once every three months. I also want to hold them to account today as there are a number of issues where I am not happy with the replies I have received. I may not take part in the debate on the Senator's Bill but I thank Senator Norris for bringing it forward.