Newstalk has learned that the government is recommending that apartment owners should have the remainder of their mortgages wiped out and be allowed to hand back the keys to the banks.

The Environment Minister Phil Hogan has already called on all those involved to find a number of credible solutions within 21 days for the residents.

Last week, the Taoiseach said he has no problem meeting with the former residents of Priory Hall to discuss their problems. Enda Kenny said he did not see the former residents of the troubled apartment block any differently to the survivors of terrorism in Northern Ireland.

His comments came a day after the Environment Minister Phil Hogan said he would be interfering in the legal process by meeting the residents. The Environment Minister said he was staying quiet on Priory Hall because he does not want anyone to 'get off the hook'.

Residents have held protests over their situation

Phil Hogan has said he was advised not to meet the residents by the Attorney-General until the issue is before the courts again next month.

A mediation process is currently underway with retired Supreme Court Judge Joseph Finnegan due to report back on October 15th.

But Newstalk's political editor Shane Coleman says it is understood the government are already in favour of allowing residents to walk away from their properties. He spoke to the Pat Kenny Show.

Graham Usher, spokesperson for the Priory Hall residents and Michael Dowling, head of the Irish Mortgage Advisers Federation, spoke with Jonathan Healy on Newstalk Lunchtime.