Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

If I were to comply with the request made by Deputy Higgins, would he come in here next week to support the budget? On the matter that was initially raised, I assure the House that the Government will deal sympathetically with families that find themselves in financial difficulties. That is the policy and the approach of this Government. To be honest, Deputy Higgins could have raised this issue since last August and given us an opportunity to consider it. We will consider it. If the Deputy gives us the details that are available to him - the information on which he based his questions - we will look at them.

My colleagues in Government who have differing responsibilities in this area will examine the matter on its merits and with the sympathy we approach issues where people are in financial difficulties. I am conscious of the time of year and the implications of this for the families concerned.

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