David Norris (Independent)

I add my voice to that of Senator Bacik. I compliment her on getting this amendment passed. On behalf of the House, I thank the Minister for showing this degree of flexibility. It is a very important point, which a number of us made on Second Stage. Senator Bacik put the amendment down, argued very clearly for it and, obviously, impressed the Minister and his advisers. It strengthens the Bill, democratises it and allows the debtor to fully participate in the process in a way which can only be positive for the whole outcome.

Senator Bacik emphasised many of the legal and human aspects, but I would like to emphasise the ordinary language aspect. That is terribly important because it is by virtue of the ordinary language that this information becomes accessible, and it is usable only when it is accessible. If it is wrapped in legal jargon one can print it on note paper, send it through the letter box or read it out to the people, but it will not make the slightest difference. It must be accessible and that permits the citizen to exercise his or her rights.

I endorse what Senator Bacik said about prison. It is futile. It is a waste of time, money and effort sending people in such civil cases to jail. It is not at all worthwhile and I look forward to the time when the only people in jail will be those who are a danger to themselves or society in some really practical way. Although this is not the time to discuss them, there are many other ways people can be encouraged to pay off their debts to society, such as community service orders, but sending people to jail is very foolish.

The Minister said very few are jailed, but there are many more than one might imagine. There were approximately 200 last year. That is quite a large number of people affected by this. A large number of people are being put in jail for non-payment of television licences, and that is completely daft. That is one of the reasons I welcome this, and I hope they will be covered by it. I raised it under the Broadcasting Bill and was told it was an inappropriate location.

I support Senator Bacik. I am very glad the Minister accepted the amendment. I congratulate her. This is what the Seanad is for. The fact that this was done overnight shows how much more we could do with these Bills if they were not galloped through the Seanad.