Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)

I welcome the Minister's comments on the legislation due for the first quarter of 2012 in regard to his desire to introduce it ahead of schedule if possible. The recent comments by the Master of the High Court, Mr. Ed Honohan, focused our attention on the stark reality faced by many families. This House spent several days discussing the issue of suicide. Mr. Honohan's comments on the actions of banks which are pursuing people for mortgages, credit card debt and personal loans gives rise to the question as to how these institutions operate. When one considers that most of these loans have already been written off by the banks, this behaviour is a disgrace.

In regard to the legislation the Minister hopes to introduce before the end of the year, how quickly does he think he can have it prepared? How complex is the issue and will the legislation cover all forms of personal debt and debt forgiveness?

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