Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Following on from Senator Mooney, what amazed me about the figures for RTE is how some among the top ten earners in RTE work every day for the same money as others who have only one show a week, amounting to less than 30 shows. I am perplexed at how those numbers are arrived at, and I would welcome a debate with the Minister who could provide a more in-depth analysis.

I wish to raise the issue of the Garda in the context of the Personal Insolvency Act. Most people are aware that a member of An Garda Síochána is disallowed from being declared bankrupt. I have not been able to ascertain whether a member of An Garda Síochána is entitled to avail of the Personal Insolvency Act. It is a legitimate question in that when someone is declared bankrupt, his or her assets and liabilities are analysed and dispersed according to the court assignee. In effect, that is what is happening in line with the Personal Insolvency Act by agreement with the banks. I do not know whether the Garda is excluded from the legislation. If it is excluded, a change must be made to allow it to be included as a matter of urgency. The omission could have slipped through undetected by me and everyone else. It is a real concern.

The anger I have witnessed from members of An Garda Síochána relates to younger members who have bought expensive houses at the height of the property market. Those members of the force are stuck in the same downward spiral as many others but, to my knowledge, everyone else will be allowed to avail of the Personal Insolvency Act and I do know whether members of the Garda have recourse to it. I ask that the issue would be brought to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, for immediate clarification.