The Irish Mortgage Holders Association recently raised the fact that a number of gardaí find themselves in a difficult situation concerning their mortgages. They have had to seek support or face possible bankruptcy. Is amended legislation needed concerning the Garda Síochána's code of work practice or contracts to protect gardaí in this respect? As far as I know, they are not supposed to be in that situation, which could be dangerous for them.

There is a solution to all problems in regard to people in mortgage distress, be they members of a particular sector or not. However, it requires a working out of what are termed sustainable solutions - in other words, what arrangements one can make to enable people to get on with their lives without having a crushing weekly burden. It requires an engagement between both the lender and the borrower. Considerable numbers have been worked out. I do not think a change in the legislation would be equitable because similar changes would be required for every other sector as well.

My point is that gardaí could lose their jobs.

We cannot have a debate on the matter at this stage. I am aware that it is a very serious issue, but maybe we could try to look at it in some other way.