Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I anticipated the Minister of State's reply and I am glad Senator MacSharry put the case in favour of the amendment so eloquently. I do not understand why it is not possible to deal with this matter in the legislation before us, particularly when the Minister of State and Senator MacSharry expressed support, in principle, that there should be a moratorium on repossessions. The Minister of State has indicated that there is no evidence of an avalanche of repossessions. However, we know that the number of repossessions is increasing and that there is major concern that people's homes will become liable to repossession. As Senator MacSharry stated, there is a need to address these issues by means of a statutory formula. However, I do not believe the Court and Court Officers Bill would be the appropriate vehicle to use in this regard.