Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour)

I want to be associated with Deputy Mathews's remarks about supporting in principle Deputy Michael McGrath's Bill.

The business of this Dáil, in its 15 months, unlike any previous Dáil - I am not here that long - is in its nature almost dominated by discussing credit or regulation. It is where we are after four or five years of a fairly depressing collapse.

I suppose, for a country as young as Ireland, people will always refer to legislators and ask why there is not a Bill to do this or legislation to that, but we had never gone through previously what we have gone through. We are in a post-Celtic tiger period. No doubt, Deputy Michael McGrath's amendments will not be the last with which this House will deal because it is fairly new territory.

I will not repeat points that have been made by others, including Deputy Mathews. I have no difficulty whatsoever in principle with the advisers in receipt of remuneration, and the amendments refer that. Most of us have no difficulty with that, provided, of course, as was pointed out, that it is properly regulated and that it is seen to be fair and transparent.

The other point, more dear to my heart and which has been mentioned by others, is the issue of debt management and budgeting. I want to praise the work of MABS, which is a wonderful organisation. It has done great work in the past, particularly for those who would be at the bottom of the social ladder, principally the working class who in many cases would be on or below the industrial wage. In many cases, MABS has been the first port of call for many politicians like myself in guiding constituents to resolve financial problems. I mention MABS for that reason. Whatever about legislation in future and however this Bill turns out at the end, in resolving the issue that Deputy Michael McGrath has raised it is important that MABS plays a central role and that the State recognises, above all, the expertise of MABS and that such expertise is used by the State, especially given that it is taxpayers who fund MABS. I compliment MABS on its work. Perhaps we are not as fulsome in recognising and appreciating the work it has done.

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