Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. We have covered a good deal. I am bringing up this issue because I am aware of several constituents who are having this difficulty with the banks and with their credit rating. One person has sorted out a previous mortgage debt after falling into arrears. The mortgage is now settled and the person is looking for a fresh start but the high street banks are not playing ball. Perhaps as the Minister of State suggested, we can get some clarity from the Central Bank. It is appropriate for the Central Bank to send out the message that a poor credit rating or history is not a life sentence. The banks should be monitored in respect of how they are operating the rule or consideration when they are deciding whether to give someone a loan.

One of the conditions for the mortgage-to-rent scheme is that applicants in future might be able to buy back the house when they get into a sounder financial position, which is fantastic. However, some of these people will get into the same problem that I have described if they have lost a home previously.

More work needs to be done in this area. I welcome the fact that the Minister of State is willing to engage. I know that is his general disposition. He might provide clarity for me on several of those points. I would appreciate it. It would enable me to go back to people and give them some comfort about their situation and give them hope. It is important that they are not stuck in limbo, renting forever when they can financially afford to get a loan.