Mortgage rates and Balbriggan site
The Leader regrets AIB’s rate increase, will ask the Finance Minister to return for a debate, and undertakes to raise the Balbriggan site with the Health Minister.
The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien, asked about AIB and the interest rate increases. I agree that they are regrettable. AIB maintains that the rate of 4% is the lowest in the market, but this is of little consolation to those who will pay at the increased rate. On 3 July the House had a comprehensive debate on the issues of mortgage arrears, banking and the economy in the presence of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan. On that occasion Senator Thomas Byrne described the Minister's presence in the House as unfortunate and said he would be employed better in dealing with the Insolvency Bill and other legislation-----
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He must have been having a bad day.
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That commentary at the conclusion of what was a full and informative debate did nothing to encourage Ministers to come to the House. However, I will inquire from the Minister for Finance whether he will return to address the same problem.
I note the Senator's point about the situation in Balbriggan and the fact that a site was available since 2002. I will also bring the matter of Castlelands to the attention of the Minister for Health. As Senator Mark MacSharry said to the Minister last week or the week before, he should get on with his job and deliver the necessary reforms. That is what he will do.
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The Leader's research office is working overtime today.