Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

I ask the Leader for a debate in the new year on moneylending. Coupled with it are organisations and companies offering debt solutions. People are under pressure, not just because of the times we are in but because Christmas is upon us. They are incredibly vulnerable when they hear advertisements on the radio promising that one should not worry if one has debts of €10,000 because one can pay €25 a week and all will be well.

Reading the small print one finds that the cost of these schemes is prohibitive, but many people forget to read the small print or are so tempted by the offer they become stuck before they can get out. Moneylending is the more criminal end but there is also what I would call advertised moneylending which sounds very inviting. It is very dangerous and we need to find a way, through the House, to bring this to the attention of the relevant Minister and seek legislation relating to the administration of such organisations.