Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Item No. 81 in the programme for Government is the technological universities Bill. It is to provide for the establishment of technological universities and the amendment of the Dublin Institute of Technology Act, the Institutes of Technology Act and the Higher Education Authority Act. I understand this proposal is well under way in Dublin in terms of the institutes of technology in Tallaght and Blanchardstown. The same applies in Cork and Tralee but is unclear what is happening in Waterford and Carlow. There are pressing issues in the south east relating to investment, employment and health and there is a sense the Government has neglected the region. The Taoiseach said he would write to me on this issue. When will the Bill be published?

Item No. 93 in the legislative programme is the sale of loan books to unregulated third parties Bill. The Government promised this legislation to address the issue of the sale of loan books by regulated financial institutions to unregulated financial institutions. There has been controversy on this for some time as the sale of loan books to unregulated third parties is growing apace. Thousands of mortgage holders are very anxious about their fate and feel vulnerable because they are not protected by the code of conduct. I want to know when this Bill will be published because it is a pressing issue of great concern to many mortgage holders.

In terms of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, following a review of the 2012 Act the credit guarantee (amendment) Bill aims to bring about a legislative change necessary to enhance the success of the performance of the scheme. This has been promised by the Government. The Taoiseach will be aware that the Government and the State have failed to get traction in extending credit to small and medium enterprises, SMEs. This is the biggest issue facing many SMEs and the legislation was promised by the Government as an acknowledgment that the 2012 Act was insufficient and that legislative change was required. Will the Taoiseach say when this legislation can be expected?

Item No. 106 in the programme for Government is the industrial relations (amendment) Bill which aims to provide a new legislative framework to address issues arising from the Supreme Court ruling that struck down registered employment agreements, REAs.

When can we expect publication of this particular Bill?

When does the Taoiseach expect the personal injuries assessment board (amendment) Bill to be introduced? The Government has promised to introduce a number of amendments to improve the operation and implementation of the Act.

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