Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend my colleagues for tabling this Bill. It makes absolute sense. As Senator Malcolm Byrne said, similar legislation exists in other countries and there is international precedent for it. I have no doubt but that the Minister of State understands the logic behind this Bill. Why should somebody suffer as a result of a condition they have overcome?

There are other people who find it extremely difficult to get a mortgage, for example, people with disabilities. It is shocking how many people are turned down for mortgages because they have disabilities even though they are in active, full and guaranteed employment. I know of a person who was in a car accident over a decade ago and had an acquired brain injury as a result. This person continues to live a full and active life and is in a guaranteed and well-paid job but cannot get a mortgage. There is something frightfully unfair about such a situation. Surely to God there is something we can do for somebody like that who cannot get a mortgage simply because he or she has an acquired brain injury. Perhaps the Minister of State's office would come back to me as to how I can advise this person to go about getting a mortgage. The person is still living with their parents even though they have a very good job and could well afford to pay a mortgage. What kind of a society are we if we treat people like that? When it comes to financial services and financial supports, there is no equality whatsoever for people with disabilities. Even when they do overcome their disabilities and get into a position where they are earning money, paying taxes and contributing to society in a positive way, they are left in a situation where they cannot get a mortgage to purchase and have their own homes.There is something fundamentally wrong with that. As Senator Byrne has said, that is not what this particular legislation is about but we need to address those issues. We need to create an equality in financial services. It is shocking to think that somebody who has had a cancer diagnosis is automatically deprived of getting a mortgage. This is very important legislation and I welcome it. I agree with previous speakers that the Bill needs to be expedited. I do not know why the Department or its officials would have a problem with it because it makes sense. It supports, encourages and looks after citizens of our State who are working and contributing to our society. There is no logic in-----