Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

I support this amendment for the same reasons I supported the previous one relating to a similar set of circumstances whereby there may be attachment of debts. The key point is that a dangerous precedent is being set. Despite any guarantees and assurances that people will be dealt with sympathetically, the legislation will apply if this is challenged. If somebody finds himself or herself in the unfortunate situation whereby there is a demand for payment, the facility is in place to take it from him or her without any consultation or reference to the courts or without a safety net being in place. On that basis, this provision should be removed to preclude such an event from happening.

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