Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to support the congratulations and good wishes to Jimmy Walsh. He has been a great servant of this House and I look forward to joining others next week in sending him on his way. We will certainly miss him.

I support Senator Mullins on what he has said here about potential welfare fraud. What he has outlined is very serious and I strongly encourage anyone associated with or who has knowledge of that fraud to report it, because these people are defrauding the entire country. There must be some people aware of what is going on, particularly if transport is being organised for it. I am reliably informed that a secure ID system is being rolled out across the country to resolve this issue, but it would be worthwhile to clarify the situation here with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton.

My main reason for contributing today is to support those who have raised the issue of the debt situation that continues to haunt countries. Cyprus is now in difficulty and I wish it well. It held the Presidency of Europe immediately before Ireland and did a great job. I hope an agreement can be found between the ECB, the IMF and Cyprus so that Cypriots can live with some semblance of dignity and get on with their lives. Everyone needs to know this is possible.

When we look at the personal debt problems haunting at least half of our population, we know action is needed on the ground. We have the theory. We have the Personal Insolvency Bill and the Minister, Deputy Noonan, is giving the banks targets. However, I am concerned there is no action on the ground on debt resolution. I am aware MABS is carrying out training currently so that it can put some of the strategies and new approaches in place. However, it is so incredibly understaffed that it cannot possibly meet the needs of the droves of people who, now the banks are putting greater pressure on them need someone to whom they can turn. We heard Senator Coghlan speak about receivers working out of hours on this. We must ensure there are staff and appropriately trained counsellors ready to give them assistance.

I welcome the fact the Minister has given the banks targets to achieve. However, I am concerned about what they are offering to do. I am concerned that the record of people who have paid their debts and mortgages for 20 years will not necessarily be taken into account. The banks are only looking at the capacity of these people to pay now and into the future. People can fall on hard times if they lose their jobs, but if they have had a good record for 20 years, they should not be wiped off the screen in a matter of months. The banks must show some heart and we must stand with the people until this debt issue is resolved.