Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

May I remind the Tánaiste that the recession has caused grievous problems for the financial situation of a sizeable group of vulnerable people whose funds are lodged in court and they can neither access nor manage them. Following a Law Reform Commission report on vulnerable adults, legislation was promised in this area. Will the Tánaiste address this matter urgently with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to bring forward this legislation? Hundreds of people, perhaps more, are in a financial situation where they have lost all their money in investments due to the current financial crisis. In response to a parliamentary question on the matter, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform informed me he has no function in the matter, which is most regrettable. The courts are independent in the performance of their duties but this is a financial——

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