Mr. Lorcan O'Connor:

On the question of the stage at which a PIP could help somebody in repossession, as is the case with many things, the earlier people engage the better. However, it is never too late. I cited an example of a couple who had resigned themselves to homelessness. They were in the repossession courts at the final stage. The court registrar was about to announce the date upon which the repossession order would be granted or become effective. However, the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act allows for a specific adjournment to consult a PIP. It is never too late, but the earlier the better.

We deal with local authorities on a number of levels.

One is ensuring they are an outlet for passing on the information and materials we have available for debtors. We are making sure staff dealing with those on the housing lists are aware of our solutions in order that they can pass on that information. We also deal with local authorities which are landlords and encounter people who are in arrears. It is very constructive and both parties always have the debtors' interests at heart. We deal with larger local authorities on a one-to-one basis. We have also attended local authority conferences and so on to ensure they are aware of our services. I hope that deals with the question.