Government In Denial Over Mortgage Crisis – Crowe

Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has claimed that the Government is in denial over the mortgage crisis. Crowe made his comments following the release of new figures from the Central Bank which show that there are still 90,343 mortgage holders in arrears of ninety days or more.

Deputy Seán Crowe said :

“It is frightening to think that the financial pressure created by this situation is negatively impacting on more lives than the number of people who filed into Croke Park to watch the recent All-Ireland Hurling match between Kilkenny and Tipperary. That is the sheer scale of Ireland’s mortgage crisis. What the numbers don’t tell us anything about is the suffering or the hardship being experienced by all those in difficulty.

“The mortgage crisis clearly isn’t improving and it cannot be wished away. It certainly wont be improved by government spokespersons claiming a tiny reduction as an example of their policy success.

“Only a fool would see grounds for celebration in these alarming figures.

“They confirm for all to see that this government is playing no real role in solving Ireland’s mortgage crisis. Minister Noonan is clearly not prepared to be proactive and step in to make banks pass on interest rates or cut their executives excessive pay hikes. He certainly is not prepared to step in to tell them to get real about the mortgage crisis.

“The government seems content to let the mortgage crisis drift along at the pace of the banks’ choosing. The figures released in relation to long term arrears points to this indisputable fact.

“Last month the Oireachtas Finance Committee produced a report following exchanges with the banks and mortgage holders’ groups. That cross-party Report contained 47 recommendations on how the Mortgage Arrears Process could be improved. There is no evidence that any one of those recommendations has been or more importantly will be implemented.

“The Finance Minister and his spokespersons are in denial when it comes to the mortgage crisis and struggling families are paying the cost and suffering the fall out from their inaction.”