Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I cannot accept the amendment. Section 34(2) sets out the arrangements for the operation of a hardship clause in the application of this section where moneys are owing to a housing authority. It provides that, where a housing authority is satisfied that a household would suffer undue hardship, it can enter into an agreement with the household for repayment of the money due in reasonable instalments, in addition to any rents or charges the household is already paying to the authority. I believe the provision is fair and provides a reasonable safety net for households. It is also sufficiently flexible to allow housing authorities to operate it in a sensible manner.

In section 31 the Minister has the authority to make regulation for rent to be waived, in part or in whole, on a temporary basis, in the case of financial hardship. In those circumstances I ask the Senators to withdraw the amendment.