Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

These are very important issues.

The Government is seeking to prevent banks from charging penalty interest to those who, because of the unprecedented economic downturn in the past couple of years, are in arrears and unable to meet their commitments and covenants with the banks. That is very much to be welcomed. Many Members on all sides have spoken about taking a balanced and holistic approach to these matters. It is essential to rescue the banks from the predicament they have got themselves into, thus requiring us to rescue the economy.

A report issued today states there has been a 25% increase in the number of suicides and that the increase is attributable to the difficulties in which people find themselves because of the economic downturn. I very much welcome the approach of the Government and hope all sides will do likewise. I ask that the Minister be invited to the House to discuss the issue. Perhaps we can make suggestions on what can be done in order that people will become hopeful and pass through this cycle into better times.