We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Leader’s responses on mortgages

Summary

The Leader defends the Government’s mortgage-to-rent scheme and other mortgage-arrears measures, criticising Fianna Fáil’s participation in earlier debates. He also says the Halappanavar investigation should proceed and that the country needs answers.

The acting leader of the Opposition, Senator Byrne, raised the issue of the mortgage to rent scheme. On foot of the recommendations of the Keane report on mortgage arrears the Government launched a mortgage to rent scheme on a pilot basis in February 2012, which was extended nationally in June 2012. This is only one policy solution among many responses advanced by the Government. Senator Byrne clearly has not heard of the other responses, which I have outlined on several occasions. Budget 2012 also provided support for mortgage holders who had purchased homes between 2004 and 2008, at the height of the property market, by way of increased mortgage tax relief. Yesterday we spent three hours debating the Personal Insolvency Bill 2012. Many of these matters could have been raised during that period but only two of the contributors to yesterday's debate were from Fianna Fáil. I do not know if that is an indication of Fianna Fáil Members' interest in the Bill.

Comment on this

We had three hours but the Minister for Justice and Equality used up one hour and 15 minutes. I spoke in the debate.

Comment on this

Fianna Fáil Members have been speaking about mortgage arrears and insolvency legislation for weeks-----

Comment on this

Do not imply that I was not here for yesterday's debate.

Comment on this

-----but when they had an opportunity to speak on these issues yesterday only two contributors were from Fianna Fáil.

Comment on this

I was one of them.

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Leader to continue, without interruption.

Comment on this

If that is indicative of Fianna Fáil Members' interest in the people who are in mortgage arrears-----

Comment on this

The Minister took nearly half of the three hours allocated for the debate.

Comment on this

-----they should put their money where their mouths are in future. If they call for debates they should speak in them when they get the opportunity to do so.

Comment on this

There was not enough time. The Minister took half the time.

Comment on this

There was plenty of time. All Fianna Fáil provided was two speakers in a debate lasting three hours. Look at the record.

Comment on this
David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

I hope the Leader pays his compliments to Independent Senators, almost all of whom spoke. We are a small group.

Comment on this

Naturally, I do not propose to accept the opportunistic proposal to amend the Order of Business.

I did not see yesterday evening's RTE programme on the death of Savita Halappanavar. I do not wish to comment on the programme, but Senator Harte asked about the coroner's report. I understand that a coroner will prepare a report on the matter. I note the points raised by Senator Norris in particular, and other Members have also spoken on the issue. The HSE is obliged to carry out an inquiry and there is no question that the country needs answers. The investigation should proceed, but that should not preclude a further inquiry if one is necessary. The chairman of the investigation team has extended an invitation to the husband of Savita and that invitation remains open.

I do not propose to accept the amendment proposed by Senator Reilly in regard to No. 19, motion No. 10, on the Order Paper. The Minister for Social Protection was in the House a number of weeks ago and I believe these matters were raised in that context. We also held a debate in the House on youth unemployment. I am sure that and related issues will be addressed in the Budget Statement on 5 December.

Senator Comiskey raised the issue of student grants, which were discussed by the House on several occasions last week. The Minister for Education and Skills has given his assurance that he will provide every resource necessary to expedite the processing of grants. I agree with Senator Conway that third level colleges should be lenient with students who are awaiting decisions on grant applications. One VEC, Dublin City VEC, is still dealing with grant applications. This is the first year of the new system and there have been a number of teething problems but I hope these problems will be addressed in the coming years in order that we do not have the delays experienced this year.

Senator Healy Eames raised the issue of probationary teachers and extending the period of probation from three to four years. I will raise the issue with the Minister for Education and Skills and I am sure the Senator will raise it at the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection.

Senator White spoke about access to the mobility allowance for those aged over 66 years. The last Government adopted the same stance as the current one. I do not think it is the correct stance but I understand the Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions is dealing with the matter. If the Senator wishes to make a contribution to that committee's deliberations I am sure she will be allowed to do so.

I think I have dealt with all the matters arising on the Order of Business. I do not propose to accept either of the proposed amendments.

Comment on this