Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Perhaps the Taoiseach will clarify a number of points for the House in regard to the timetable for the personal insolvency Bill, in respect of which I am aware there was a press conference earlier. Perhaps, given the gravity of the situation, with more than 10% of people now in arrears of more than 90 days, the Taoiseach will tell us what the Government signed off on today and will set out a timetable in terms of publication of that Bill and its consideration by the Houses of the Oireachtas, in respect of which I am unclear. I understand that a further press conference is planned for Friday next to announce something else. The language being used earlier was that the Government had signed off on something around personal insolvency legislation.

Given the absolute need for a sense of direction in regard to our health services and the remarks by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, on the need for immediate action and for Minister for Health to personally engage-----

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