John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

Many Members will welcome the fact that people will no longer go to prison for the non-payment of small amounts to financial institutions, as pointed out earlier by Senator Quinn. In its own way, this will lead to financial institutions looking for further security, making it more difficult to get loans. This may not be a bad development in cases where people might have difficulties.

However, as pointed out earlier there can be anomalies. Will the Leader request clarification from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on these? Where maintenance is due to families, it is often in lieu of other payments the State would give. In many cases it is the only source of income. It is vital to ensure the threat of prison remains for non-payment of maintenance.

I also support the calls for a debate on the economy. I welcome the Government's announcement of a €250 million job retention programme, particularly in light of the IMF's report this morning on the economy.