Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Deputy will understand and appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to go into the detail of any investigation the Garda Síochána might be conducting. I can tell him the Garda Commissioner is aware of this matter. I hope the Deputy will understand if I do not take it any further. I agree entirely with what Mr. Justice Ryan had to say in court about this particular issue. Unfortunately, vulnerable people who are overwhelmed with debt can be led into believing that someone has invented a new solution to their problems and, in desperation, following a roadmap created by an individual without understanding where that road will lead. As Mr. Justice Ryan has pointed out, there is no legal validity to the presentation being made in this area. I have genuine concerns that this presentation was initially given some credibility. At an early stage, media reports on this matter, without any accompanying warnings, suggested that this was a route people might travel. Those who wrote about these issues did not investigate the matter further. People should be cautious if they are told their difficulties might have a legal solution of which they were previously unaware. Frankly, they should not rely on individuals without qualifications or on what they read in the media. They should take the time to get some advice and assistance. People can readily access a great deal of important information and assistance on the website of the Insolvency Service of Ireland, in particular.

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