Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said the banks should treat consumers with "a degree of understanding" and pass on interest rate reductions.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Sean O'Rourke, Mr Kenny said it is not for Government to set the interest rates.
However, he said the banks are back in profitability, they are making money and they are paying a very substantially reduced interest rate on the money they have to borrow which should be passed on.
Mr Kenny said he does not want anyone to lose their homes and said a number of options will be introduced by the Government this month to address issues surrounding those in mortgage arrears.
Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Kenny said the "Government did not fix and restructure the banking system for the benefit of bankers, it's for the benefit of customers".
Speaking from Dublin's Collins Barracks earlier, Mr Kenny said no member of the British Royal family will attend the 1916 Easter Rising commemorations.
He said the governments of all countries will be represented by diplomatic services.
"This is our year, this is our celebration and of course the governments of other countries will be represented by their ambassadors".
On the topic of water charges, Mr Kenny would not be drawn on reports that legislation would be introduced to recoup unpaid charges from people's earnings.
He said he expects that the power will be approved by Government for "compliance in this case, for people who can pay".
On the Fennelly Commission, he said he was "very happy" that he had "complied fully" as he should, in accordance with his responsibility both in writing and at the Commission of Investigation.
He said when Mr Justice Fennelly presents his report he will have it published in accordance with the law.
