Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The heads of the personal insolvency Bill, which is one of the most complex pieces of legislation to have come before the House in many years, were published last week. Proper consultation is needed on the matter, which is also related to the Keane report on mortgages and distressed households. This is a complex and serious matter and the personal insolvency Bill is part of a structure so that people's homes will not be repossessed. The intention is not to repossess homes but clearly the banks also have a responsibility. They will attend the economic management council in the coming period to discuss their lending structures and AIB and Bank of Ireland will explain to the Government how they intend to comply with their commitment to lending €3.5 billion in new credit in 2012. The Government is interested in seeing that happen so that access to credit is made available for business and jobs.

See this speech in context