James Carroll (Fianna Fail)

I seek an urgent debate on mortgage debt arrears. The Law Reform Commission recommended abolishing imprisonment for people who cannot pay fines. This is a welcome recommendation. The body proposes that a new, non-court system should be set up for personal debt. This is a major issue for a variety of people, particularly over the past two or three years. I welcome the proposal of the Law Reform Commission, which comes up with a number of good ideas over the years.

Another proposal concerns a debt enforcement office to help people and small businesses to reach agreement with creditors. This is an issue the Leader knows a lot about. The revised Central Bank code of conduct on mortgage arrears got lost during the budget debate. This is a huge issue for people in Drogheda and east Meath, who are concerned about their family homes. Senator MacSharry has done a lot of work on this over recent years but protecting family homes is a priority for every Member of the House. After the report of the Government's expert group on mortgage arrears and personal debt, and now the new revised code of conduct, strict procedures must be introduced by the lending bodies. That is welcome and it is up to us in the Oireachtas to ensure it is implemented. I look forward to a debate on this as soon as possible.