The Taoiseach will be aware that Permanent TSB is in the process of selling almost 7,500 loans linked with family homes to a vulture fund, Start Mortgages. There is a specific provision on page 29 of the programme for Government which states unequivocally that "we will provide greater protection for mortgage holders and tenants and SMEs whose loans have been transferred to non-regulated entities", in other words, vulture funds. What action has been taken on foot of that commitment?

A fellow Kildare man of the Ceann Comhairle, Christy Moore, sang, "I'm an ordinary man, nothing special, nothing grand." The lyrics of the song go on to mention the importance of house ownership.

In addition to the issue that Deputy O'Dea has raised, aside from those who are homeless in all our constituencies there are people in trepidation of their properties being repossessed. We can talk about introducing legislation to sort out a crisis. Would the Taoiseach support a motion in this House calling on the banks and the vulture funds to desist from what they are doing and to offer those properties with distressed mortgages which are suitable to local authorities to be purchased at the same knockdown prices for which they are being offered?

We are taking one step forward and two steps back. Louth County Council has been lauded for its compulsory purchase orders, bringing in excess of 100 housing units back into stock. The reality is that Louth County Council now has no money for repairs and is boarding up almost a similar number of houses. In order to put some pressure on the vulture funds and banks, without needing legislation, these properties should be offered to the local authorities at the same knockdown prices.

On the vulture funds, Deputy O'Dea will be aware that the Government is supporting the legislation introduced by Deputy Michael McGrath, the Consumer Protection (Regulation of Credit Servicing Firms) (Amendment) Bill 2018 which is on Report Stage. We expect to have it concluded in the coming weeks.