Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader facilitate a debate as a matter of urgency on social welfare in light of comments by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Hanafin, on television this week because there is a growing divide in society and it is being accentuated? I remind the leaders and members of the Government that cuts to social welfare hurt the old, the poor and the handicapped more than any other groups in society. We must do everything not to divide further and create new cleavages, tiers and structures in society that pit people against one another.

I join with other speakers in asking the Minister for Finance to come to the Seanad to speak about the legislative approach he might take as regards protecting home owners in default who might face repossession. I welcome the IBF's decision this morning, but it is the very least it can do. It was the IBF's members who peddled money and bombarded people with requests to borrow. They were handing out money to people ad nauseam. We have 1,000 people per month either looking for or in receipt of help for their home ownership loans and it is important we send a message to all citizens that they have nothing to fear.

This morning in homes across the country there are married couples and single people who are living in terror, and that is the reality. I hope the Leader can facilitate this debate as a matter or urgency.