Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Even the dogs on the street support the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he puts on his sincere face. During this very sincere period, he promised legislation to curb and ban interest rates. When will the legislation be introduced and will it ban interest rates?

Since the interview, the Minister was corrected by his officials and told that he could not do what he proposed. The position has now changed to one where he is introducing new legislation to renovate the Money Advice and Budgeting Service. When will that legislation be prepared? The Minister has said he has instructed his officials to draw it up. However, if one examines today's Order Paper, No. 3 refers to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service Bill 2002.

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