Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The credit guarantee (amendment) Bill is due this session. Under its regulations, the ECB does not allow banks to lend more than 60% of what is required. I find the report which indicates that the banks here are lending up to four and a half times a couple's combined income extraordinary. We will obtain a report on the matter. The Bill, as stated, will be published this session. I may have referred earlier to the fact that yesterday the combined Cabinet sub-committee considered the question of mortgages and extra opportunities for credit. Incentives are to be considered in the context of getting the construction sector moving.

I have not seen the reports on patients being flown to Britain or other countries in order to have operations relating to obesity. I will obtain a report on the matter for the Deputy.

The Children and Family Relationships Bill was cleared and published last week. The Bill is necessary in order that we might have a clear run at the marriage equality referendum due to be held next year. The Government is not afraid to tackle the issue of surrogacy. However, it must be remembered that this is an exceptionally complex area. I am concerned that if it is dealt with in the context of the Children and Family Relationships Bill, the process would be delayed and it would not be possible to ask a clear question in the context of the marriage equality referendum. I will obtain an update for the Deputy on the nature of the complexities that have to be dealt with in this instance. From what I have heard, it is exceptionally difficult to deal with this matter in any short-term fashion. Ireland is a particular case in point in the context of surrogacy, particularly in view of the lack of regulation here. It is important that we get it right.

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