Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I listened with interest to my colleagues. I understand where they are coming from in terms of tabling the amendment. I await the Minister of State's response with interest. The only aspect of the amendment with which I disagree is the proposal that a housing authority would cancel the obligation to pay part of the money owed. Nobody wants to cause undue hardship to people who find themselves in exceptional circumstances. However, I recall a safety net was put in place in the past to assist with ESB, gas and other bills and cheques were written for that purpose. A review of that scheme was undertaken and people were assisted, through community welfare officers, to participate in a payment scheme. As a result, the amount of money paid out for utility bills has been greatly reduced. People make a part payment over a period of time.

In fairness, it does not cause undue hardship to request people to part pay over a period of time. Such an approach is not unreasonable. I put that to the proposers of the amendment and, equally, to the Minister of State. I look forward to hearing his views on the proposal. I understand the substantive part of the amendment but I believe most local authorities are accommodating to tenants, especially by way of part payment over a period of time. I look forward to the Minister of State's reply.