David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the two amendments. Amendment No. 4 appears to be general while amendment No. 134 specifies that people should not have their employment terminated nor should they be excluded from any trade or profession. In other words, they will not be kept out of employment as a result. This is perfectly reasonable and, in fact, it should be welcomed. This is not even bankruptcy and it is not fraud. It is an honourable attempt, made in public view, to settle a debt. It should not be used as a black mark against somebody's character. It suggests, in fact, an honourable attempt to struggle with difficult circumstances and to resolve any obligations or indebtedness. There are some situations in which an employer might wish to get rid of an employee and might search for an excuse of some type, and unless we include this amendment it might be used by them as legitimate grounds for raising questions about the employee's character. We must signal that it is an indicator of good character, honour and integrity it somebody attempts to resolve a debt, even though they are in such extraordinarily difficult circumstances.