Mortgage broker: Banks can handle debt-forgiveness

Confusion over the possibility of the introduction of full or partial debt-forgiveness is increasing.

Groups assisting troubled homeowners are intensifying their calls on the Government to agree an approach on how to deal with mortgage arrears.

UCD economist Morgan Kelly has proposed a debt forgiveness scheme to help mortgage holders unable to meet their repayments.

However a number of Ministers, including the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore and Joan Burton, the Minister for Social Protection, appear to be at odds on how to deal with the growing problem.

Karl Deeter, Operations Manager of Irish Mortgage Brokers, has said the infrastructure is already there.

Mr Deeter said the banks can handle debt-forgiveness, but the issue is"legislative".