Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy John Perry, and the Bill. While I compliment the Deputies opposite on their contributions, lest they believe they can get away scot-free, I remind them that the reason this Private Members' Bill is before the House is the arrogance shown by the Fianna Fáil Party during its14 years in power, the "spend all" mentality it displayed and the lack of regulation, accountability and probity associated with those years. It is an appalling tragedy that we are dealing with the issue of debt. We must bear in mind that the most important person in this scenario is the consumer, each of whom represents a family with a husband, wife and children. Debt is having a profound effect on the quality of life of ordinary citizens. People did not go berserk or mad and must be placed at the centre of our efforts.

Let us reflect for a moment on the issue under discussion, namely, debt management and the impact of debt both psychologically and on relationships. The very fabric of society is being attacked and undermined by debt. At the bottom of this issue is not a cold computer print-out or statistic on a spreadsheet but human lives. For this reason, I welcome the Minister of State's statement that a personal insolvency Bill will be brought before the House.

Just this week in Cork, Bord Gáis cut off people's gas supply for non-payment of bills, while the "Neil Prendeville Show" revealed that a young child was attending school malnourished. No child should be attending school malnourished in 21st century Ireland. No one's gas or electricity supply should be cut off and no house should be repossessed by a bank that we own. One does not need to be a genius to accept that logic. Let us cast aside for a moment the political jerseys we all wear. As civic leaders and individual citizens, we must raise families, run GAA clubs and other sports groups and rebuild the country. It is also imperative that we vote "Yes" in the referendum on 31 May.

While I welcome the introduction of regulation for debt management companies, we must also address the role of the debt adviser, which is, unfortunately, extending. As Deputy Tom Hayes noted, it is important that advice on debt issues is provided for citizens because we must enable people to manage and cope. For the past week callers have been contacting local radio programmes in Cork to discuss how they are unable to manage. I refer to Cork because I come from the city but the problem transcends Cork, as Deputy Barry Cowen is aware.

Deputies meet people in their weekly constituency clinics or while canvassing who are struggling because their discretionary income is being fast eroded. Given the strain debt is imposing on people, the fundamental premise of the Bill is important. I am pleased the Minister recognises the need to address this unregulated business and welcome the contribution of the Minister of State. I look forward to the publication of Government legislation in time. However, as the Minister of State noted, legislation on the regulation of debt advisers cannot be introduced in isolation but must be enacted in conjunction with reform of personal insolvency legislation. The personal insolvency Bill is important because debt management and settlement plans are only one part of the equation.

Utility companies, banks, credit unions and other lending institutions must work with people. They need to appreciate that many citizens are experiencing economic difficulties as a result of personal debt arising in many cases from decisions to purchase property at inflated prices or, in some cases, as a result of extending themselves beyond their means. It is important that forbearance is shown when dealing with those who are making genuine efforts to address their difficulties. The Minister of State who has responsibility for small and medium-sized enterprises encounters many people who are making great efforts to continue in business and maintain and create employment. We must work with such individuals rather than focusing solely on the banks and financial institutions. We must address the circumstances of householders, families and businesses.

Addressing personal indebtedness requires regulation in conjunction with reform of our antiquated personal insolvency legislation. I am heartened, therefore, that the Government is taking action in this regard. It must remain a priority and action must be taken promptly because a rolling stone gathers no moss. The Deputies opposite may not like it, but it is their fault that we are in our current position and that so many have emigrated or are unemployed.

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