Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask for a debate to be facilitated on the home loans being provided by local authorities under the Rebuilding Ireland purchase scheme. The scheme needs some changes, in particular to facilitate people who had a home but lost it in our difficult economic times, when many people lost their jobs. They are back on their feet now but cannot get a loan because their credit rating is shot. They meet all other criteria for a loan and they might expect to get a loan from their local authority but they cannot because they are not first-time buyers. I have been dealing with a couple who have two young children. They had a house and lost it but they have now settled their debt and are making a fresh start by buying a home. Both of them are in good employment and, financially, are in a position to buy a home but none of the high street banks will give them a loan nor will their local authority. I do not think that is fair and I do not think it is the best we can offer these people, who have been through a lot. They are trying to put their best foot forward and in normal circumstances they would get a loan but they cannot now. We have to step in and do something about it.