During the talks on the programme for Government one of the first issues to be discussed was the issue of people losing their houses. It was agreed at that time to include in the programme a commitment to legislate that prior to court proceedings people would have access to a one-stop-shop, be that the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS, or some other agency, in regard to the facilities or options available to them, including a split-mortgage and mortgage-to-rent option such that they would not lose their houses. I am aware of the Abhaile service that has been put in place but it is not resolving this problem and people throughout the country are continuing to lose their homes. Will legislation be introduced soon to address this problem?

The Deputy referenced the Abhaile service which was put in place a couple of months ago. Many families have been availing of its services. In fact the data, in terms of the number of families availing of the voucher scheme through which they obtain legal and other supports to help them address the situations in which they find themselves in terms of their homes, is very encouraging. Many individuals are being helped through that scheme. We are examining what other legislation may be necessary arising from the commitment in the programme for Government. We are also examining whether a specialist court is feasible and how it would operate.