Sinn Féin Dublin North West TD Dessie Ellis has demanded an explanation from Labour TD’s why they are protecting big bankers whilst doing nothing for the ever increasing numbers of struggling homeowners.

Deputy Ellis said the new Code of Conduct for mortgage arrears published today is best understood as part of a wider, coordinated attack on struggling homeowners.

Ellis said:

“We have heard the tapes revealing the arrogance of the former Anglo Chief Executive and the contempt the bank Chiefs had for the regulator, the Department of Finance and indeed the State.

“Homeowners outraged by the conduct of former Anglo executives are today facing a new Code of Conduct for mortgage arrears which abolishes the previous limit of three contacts per month from banks to customers in arrears.

“It introduces a three-month notice period before a bank moves to seek a repossession order or eight months for new arrears cases. The code of conduct is best understood as part of a wider, coordinated attack on struggling homeowners.

“In the context of Labour’s stance on the banks in opposition the question has to be asked why their Ministers allowed the Anglo boys who treated the State with such contempt remain in position for five years after the guarantee on salaries of €175,000 or more?

“Labour and Fine Gael have been in government for nearly two and half years yet not a single banker has gone to jail for bankrupting the State, but homeowners now face a new charter for harassment giving the Banks even greater powers to pressurise struggling homeowners.

“What the government is proposing is allowing a veto for banks, not a level playing field for home owners. That’s not even handed, its deeply unfair.

“Fine Gael and Labour allowed very senior bankers who had little regard for the State to remain in high paid positions. Not one of them has spent a day in prison. At the same time it’s response to the plight of struggling homeowners has been heartless.

“Last week the arrears figures increased for the fourteenth quarter in a row since September 2009. The numbers in arrears has now nearly doubled under the current government’s watch. Any initiative it has introduced has been on the side of the Banks. Why are Labour protecting the big bankers and doing nothing for the ever increasing numbers of struggling homeowners?”

Sinn Féin Transport spokesperson, Dessie Ellis TD, has welcomed the launch of the new Real Time Ireland App today which offers up-to-the-minute information on public transport across the state. The app is now available for free for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets.

Deputy Ellis said:

“This is a very good step advancing on from a number of separate applications, unofficial efforts and the Real Time signage developed by Dublin Bus.

“I have long been calling for this to be realised and I welcome the launch of this application. This will make public transport more accessible and understandable for the public and especially tourists.

“I have raised the need for greater integration of information on public transport options as part of the drive to encourage people to choose more sustainable, affordable and environmentally friendly options when seeking to get from A to B.

“I hope this app will along with a much need refocus by this government on supporting public transport rather than undermining it will make Ireland a more accessible and attractive country for resident and visitors alike.”

The app is available for Apple and Android products at http://transportforireland.ie/real-time/download-real-time-app/