Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Donnelly for bringing this debate to the House. I have listened to the debate with great interest and believe this is where these debates should take place. I see these Friday sittings as an opportunity for these debates to be raised in the House because there is no opportunity on other days because of the full agenda on the normal sitting days. It is a pity there are not more Members here this afternoon to listen to the debate and to hear, in particular, the closing statements from Deputy Donnelly and the Minister.

As a parent, I want to speak briefly on this issue. I have family members who are in negative equity and also have neighbours, friends and extended family in difficulty. These and people in my community find themselves unable to meet their mortgages for various reasons. This is a time of emotional stress for the many people involved. However and for whatever reason people were drawn into the borrowing net in order to get their foot on the mortgage ladder is not the issue any more. What matters now is that we help these people and give them hope and, above all, help them keep a roof over their heads. In that context, I welcome the Minister's personal insolvency Bill. The purpose of any Bill is to help people. As Deputies, we all want to help the people who elected us. I too remember how difficult it was when in Opposition to put forward suggestions or introduce Bills to the House and get them through the various Stages. I am sure there is much merit in Deputy Donnelly's Bill, but I am unsure it will be passed.

We live in difficult times, but I do not believe the Government has all the answers. We need to listen to the Opposition. When we were in opposition, the Government did not listen to us, but I hope that now Ministers and others will lend an ear and take time to listen. I believe this Bill has awakened many Members to the importance of trying to work together at some level over the coming weeks and months as elected Members, rather than as opposing groups. We must remember that the many families affected need our help and understanding. I urge the Minister and other Members of the Government to pay attention to contributions from all sides of the House when Members introduce Bills and perhaps they will be able to adopt some or all of the suggestions put forward.

My final comment is on the banks. We have all heard in our clinics from young people and people with families who have gone to the banks looking for help and how the banks have been reluctant to give that help. The personal insolvency Bill and other legislation that may come to the House offer an opportunity to put more pressure on the banks to help these people. We are all human beings and our role as Members is to represent those people who gave us the privilege and honour of being here.

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