Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I wish to express my disappointment. Members have gone through the process of debating the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008, which is on Report Stage today. However, the Minister has not accepted any measures that have been tabled. It sounds as though she agrees in theory with much of what has been said. The amendment contains nothing that is offensive to, or critical of, the Government. It contains nothing that would imply a loss of political capital by the Minister, were she to accept it. This amendment reflects the extremely difficult position that many people face at present. While the Minister has stated her intention to produce a report, this amendment exerts pressure to ensure such a report is actually produced. With respect, although Members have been waiting for a report on lone parents from the Minister, her predecessor, the Minister, Deputy Cullen, and his predecessor, the late Séamus Brennan, Lord have mercy on him, no action has been taken.

People are in danger of having their houses repossessed, some of whom are unaware they are in such danger. They may be in the position outlined by Deputy Noonan yesterday regarding a family he knows, in which two children and both of their spouses work in a company he believes to be in serious danger of closure. This will mean a further two couples whose houses will be repossessed next year. This urgent matter cannot wait and must be dealt with and the Minister should take on board Members' comments.

I will briefly reiterate a point I made yesterday. I tabled a parliamentary question on this subject following Committee Stage and it transpires the Department and the community welfare officers do not even hold data on the number of people who applied for, but were refused, mortgage interest supplement. The Minister's report must start with the most basic information in respect of who is unable to get the supplement. The only time statistics are collated is when applicants appeal a refusal. While I am sure a majority do so, it is possible that not all applicants appeal because of their disillusionment with their interaction with the system, having been refused in the first place. A report on this issue must begin with the basics and accepting this amendment at least would confirm that the Government in good faith intends to deal with this issue, because this is not evident at present.

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