Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Finance if he has concluded his discussions with the proposers of the offset debt method for addressing negative equity in family homes; when he commenced his exploration of this proposal; the number of meetings that have been held; the nature of these recent discussions; if there were any external consultations sought on the proposal; if he has reached a decision; if he will be proceeding with the proposal; when it will it be announced and if not, the basis for rejecting it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38885/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Government is acutely aware of the increasing financial stress that some households are facing arising from the difficulty in meeting their mortgage commitments. It was for this reason that the Government took the significant step of establishing an Inter-Departmental Mortgage Arrears Working Group to consider further necessary actions. The Group's report was published in October 2011. The contents of the Group's report were discussed at length during the course of a Dail debate on the report. I intend to take account of the contributions of all Deputies in this debate as well as suggestions from a wide range of other stakeholders, interested groups and private individuals. As soon as all deliberations are considered, I will put proposals to Government on next steps, including an implementation mechanism to be driven by my Department.