Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The amendment has the effect of adding collection charges to the list of charges that are prohibited under moneylending agreements. I am in agreement with the Deputy that collection charges should be prohibited. However, from a practical and procedural point of view, I object to the changes being framed as they are here and favour the more comprehensive Government Bill which also addresses the issue and is scheduled for Second Stage this evening. I think we are all agreed the exception in respect of collection charges should come out but the Government believes that should be done under the more comprehensive legislation that is currently on its way through the Oireachtas in parallel with this Bill. The Deputy acknowledged we have agreed on that and it is in the Government legislation. The Government believes it should be included in the more comprehensive legislation even though we are in complete agreement with the principle behind the amendment. It is a question of getting it into the more comprehensive legislation that will make its way through the Oireachtas. For that reason, I have to oppose the amendment.