Mr. Lorcan O'Connor:

As soon as we are in a position to open, we will make it known through various media channels, politicians and whatever other means are necessary. When we are in a position to open, we will have practitioners on the ground. The fact that they will be available throughout the country to meet people face to face is probably the best means by which the information will get out.

As the Senator will be aware, we have set up an information line and a website since the launch of our information campaign in April. More than 3,000 people have contacted the information line in recent months and our site has seen close to 40,000 visits, but these numbers will probably decrease in the coming months as the practitioners step into their roles as the people who must impart the information to debtors. I hope that debtors will be able to get any information they require through that process, but the ISI will be present as well.

With regard to meeting the August deadline, as I said in my statement, we are acutely aware that every day and week that passes before we open causes distress and difficulties for many people who have debt problems. We are doing everything we can do to bring the opening forward.

I have set out the three preconditions for our being open in mid-August. As I sit here today, I believe that we will meet them. First, I understand that the various legislative provisions should be commenced by the end of the month. Second, the authorisation of practitioners is within our direct control, so it is within our gift to begin the process. Third, the Department is developing the IT system and has given an assurance that it will hand the system over to us this week.