Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand this is a "no fault" insolvency Bill. I do not know why the Minister refers to meritorious versus non-meritorious debtors. I understand no judgment is made, as in our divorce legislation, for example.

There is a value limit. It is to be determined by the Minister. He has repeatedly said there is not a value limit. There is. The Minister can determine it. This is provided for in the amendment.

The Minister questioned my example and said that, thankfully, not everyone's marriage breaks down. Thankfully, not everyone's does. The example I gave was of someone known to me who fits the category, except possibly with regard to jewellery. Previously, I gave an example of someone who would benefit from our amendment. These are real-life examples. I say to those people who complain about politicians holding clinics and meeting citizens that it is from those clinics that we learn what is happening in people's lives and how legislation can affect them and help them or not, as the case may be.

I say these things to rebut some of the points the Minister makes. I do not wish to delay the debate but this is a serious matter and the Minister dealt with it in a very trite manner.