Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Everyone looking on is totally and utterly outraged. There is a perception that there is one law for the elite and another for the hard working citizens. We can be sure that Mr. Seán FitzPatrick will not be presenting himself to a community welfare officer in the weeks or days ahead. The consequences of his actions over many years has left many families presenting themselves on a regular basis to a community welfare officer. Today I spent 20 minutes arguing with a financial institution on behalf of a hard-pressed family to seek an element of leeway. They are trying so hard to meet their financial obligations and the bank is not playing ball with them.

The Minister has said that she will seek a report, which I welcome. It is acknowledged that this office is coming before the committee. That is welcome. However, too often in this house Members are reacting to what is the political flavour of the day and what is in the news. What the Minister needs to do today is set a clear timeline as to when we will ensure that actions are being taken and that there will be consequences for the people in this office who failed the State so abysmally.

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