Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

I would like to raise the issue of banking institutions that take proceedings against individuals or companies and that hide behind the law when they have difficulties dealing with people. I refer, in particular, to those who are sent in to retrieve assets. It has been brought to my attention in the past number of days that some of these people, who are hired on behalf of lending institutions, have criminal records. This was touched on previously and it is crucial, given the financial difficulties faced by people, that the Minister for Justice and Equality ensures that anyone operating on behalf of a lending institution should be correctly licensed to do so. Such licensing was introduced in recent years for staff performing security details for night clubs and so on. Those who enter the premises of individuals and companies being pursued by financial institutions must be correctly vetted and must not have a criminal background but I am led to believe this is happening at the moment.

Will the Leader bring this to the immediate attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality? If not, people will be hurt. A number of assault cases are before the courts. The notion that lending institutions supported by the State are facilitating the hiring of people with shady backgrounds or a criminal record is outrageous.