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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Fennelly inquiry and IBRC mortgage protections

Summary

Michael McGrath seeks progress on the Fennelly commission’s terms of reference and protection for borrowers whose IBRC mortgages were sold; the Minister promises Cabinet action and refers the issue to Finance.

I wish to raise two issues on the Order of Business. First, will the Minister update the House on the terms of reference of the commission of investigation under Mr. Justice Fennelly? I understand that the Cabinet has discussed them. When does the Minister expect them to be agreed at Cabinet level and introduced in the House for a full debate?

Second, the special liquidator of IBRC, KPMG, has sold approximately two thirds of the mortgage book to two separate US hedge funds, both of which are unregulated in Ireland. Those consumers have lost the binding statutory protections that every other mortgage holder in the country has. Two items of legislation are relevant. One is a Government Bill, the heads of which are yet to be approved. It is due some time next year. Are there plans to accelerate that process in light of the fact that more than 8,000 mortgage holders are exposed and vulnerable? Alternatively, a Fianna Fáil Private Member's Bill passed Second Stage in the Dáil a number of weeks ago. The Government could progress it to Committee Stage for further debate.

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Regarding the Deputy's question on the terms of reference of the commission of investigation, that matter will be discussed at Cabinet next week. It is our intention to have it agreed as quickly as possible with the Supreme Court judge, Mr. Justice Fennelly.

It will be then brought to the House as soon as possible.

I am aware of the concern people have expressed about the protections they might no longer have in respect of the IBRC decision. That legislation is progressing as quickly as possible. I will draw the suggestion made by the Deputy to the attention of the Minister for Finance to ensure there is statutory protection for people whose mortgages have been transferred from one lender to another.

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