Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

As for the two pieces of legislation, some time ago the Minister decided the legislation listed and the heads of that Bill were unsatisfactory. He announced some time ago that he would introduce a different, more comprehensive Bill to deal with the issue of loans. He was referring to legalised loans rather than to moneylenders, as many of the organisations in question are licensed. He stated he believed there was a different way of dealing with the issue and sought legal advice to do so. This is all that was engaged in this respect.

The new legislation is listed to come before the Government shortly. As we do this time every year, the Minister has been talking to all the relevant groups regarding their pre-budget submissions and hopes to bring forward the terms of his legislation to the Government shortly.

The point is that while Deputy Rabbitte raised a number of issues, poverty and social exclusion still has a significant impact on a certain group. It has been highlighted for some years that it is not good enough for us to deal with such matters simply on an administrative basis and that legislation is required. The question is whether it is possible to legislate for such issues and legal advice has been sought in this regard.

To the best of my knowledge this was considered approximately 20 years ago. At that time, the view was that one could not legislate for such issues, particularly as a number of the organisations in question are licensed. They operate under Acts of this House and must be examined under consumer legislation. I do not know the answer to the question as to whether one can act. The Minister believes he can bring forward this legislation based on financial advice and is committed to introducing a new Bill. He intends to bring its terms before the Government around the time of the introduction of this year's social welfare Bill.

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