Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We published the Debt Settlement and Mortgage Resolution Office Bill, introduced by Deputy Michael McGrath. This was accepted by the Government on Second Stage, but now it has been allowed stagnate. Before Christmas, we published the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (Amendment) Bill, which would give stronger powers to the Financial Ombudsman, but that too has been stalled. I remember the Taoiseach coming in here and saying he would welcome suggestions from this side of the House. We brought forward concrete, logical and rational suggestions for debt resolution mechanisms, but none of them has been accepted and no alternatives have come from the Government. When will we see decisive intervention by the Government in terms of ensuring an effective debt resolution mechanism for people in this country?

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