Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

Every Member is concerned about unemployment and the increase in the number of people without work but for Members to blame it on EU legislation is not acceptable. Members cannot speak out of both sides of their mouths. We are either in the EU or we are not, and if we are in it, we must abide by the legislation we have signed up to. The statement we have heard will serve the opponents of the Lisbon treaty. If we are to get through the recession we must get the help of Europe and must be involved at the heart of Europe. In regard to the statements such as the one made, the Senator needs to think again. We have gained significantly from the EU legislation that is in place. Our companies are winning jobs and contracts throughout Europe. To ask for a recall of that does nobody good.

I refer to the Freedom of Information Act. It is time to consider reforming that Act. The original Act was very successful but, because of changes made to it, we have seen a reduction of 50% in the number of requests made in the past five years. At a time when we are introducing organisations such as NAMA, which will be the recipient of significant amounts of money, it is vital that organisations such as that are at the heart of the Freedom of Information Act and that the remit is broadened to include NAMA. I seek a debate on reform of the Freedom of Information Act.

I refer to the further doubt and confusion raised about mortgage relief. We know that times are hard and sacrifice must be made. This is not about whether people are entitled to relief but removing it from those who qualify by law for relief. Families do not know whether their incomes will decrease, they do not know how much their budgets will be reduced by and they are trying to plan paying household bills, paying for food and taking a short summer break. Now they do not know if they will lose €100 or €150 per month.

We are told that an assessment will be done quickly and that the Government is setting up a website to enable people to enter their details. With the Government's history on technology projects, that could take an age. In the meantime, a quarter of a million families could be without this relief even though they qualify for it. We understand that this relief will be removed from many but while the assessment is being carried out, rather than suspend the relief we should give it to them and then claw it back at a later stage if necessary.