Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for making available to the House the briefing script on these detailed amendments. Last Friday at the commencement of Committee Stage there was a request for more information on the rationale for the proposed amendment of the sections, particularly the amendments concerning regulation of PIPs.

On the substance of the amendments, it is welcome that professionals will be able to apply for registration on a case-by-case basis and that categories will not be limited to those who are members of the accountancy profession. I note there will be detailed provision for complaints to be made and for sanctions to be imposed.

The only concern about allowing an open system of application for registration is that there would be sufficient accountability in the legislation where there are problems, given the sensitivity of the work to be undertaken by the personal insolvency practitioner. I expect to hear more about those amendments when we come to them. I welcome this general note for Senators on these amendments.