Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)

Mattie. It concerns the repossession of machinery from farmers and contractors. Certain individuals were going into farmers' and contractors' yards in the middle of the night, like a thief, breaking locks, opening machines, loading them up and traipsing out of the yards as quickly as they could. In some cases, in the excitement and frenzy, machines were taken to which there were no debts attached and had to be returned. This issue has to be highlighted. Just because an individual owes an institution money, it does not mean that institution has the right to treat him or her like a criminal. It is not a criminal offence to have tried to better oneself, whether through purchasing a house, an apartment, farm machinery or machinery for hire. Such individuals were only trying to work, make a living for themselves and create employment for others. I do not want to tarnish everyone involved in banking as there are great people working in lending institutions. However, bank managers and bank employees must realise those who owe money must be treated with respect and consideration. They have families and are trying every day to survive. It is incumbent on every Member to make sure they are treated with the respect they deserve.

People in debt get depressed and down and feel the whole world is closing in on them when the threatening letters arrive from the banks. It is no wonder the incidence of suicide is on the increase. Families are being put to the pin of their collars. Young people going to school need to have proper clothing and schoolbooks, yet their parents are struggling. I compliment the Minister of State, Deputy John Perry, on his contribution last night which was positive, as one would expect. I compliment all Members for uniting in this common cause of protecting those in debt who are in vulnerable positions. It is our job to protect and support them, while putting the scoundrels off the road who, like leeches, are trying to make money out of other people's misfortune. The Bill will go a long way towards ensuring we will not have similar occurrences to that outlined by Deputy Peter Mathews involving a company which last year did awful things to genuine people, leaving them in the lurch and taking their money for wrongful purposes.

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