Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator proposed an amendment to the Order of Business. In the interest of the running of the House, I ask him not to press a vote on it. We have a very tight schedule with Ministers coming before the House. If we have a vote, it will eat into the 30 minutes allowed for statements on ambulance services. I ask the Members opposite not to press a vote on the Order of Business for that reason.

Senator Bacik and others spoke about the issue of mortgage arrears and the report on insolvency procedures. Senator Bacik called for a debate on the review once it is published. The review is near completion, and we need to build on the significant progress made to date on reducing mortgage arrears levels overall. The Government will announce a new set of measures in April designed to focus on the still unacceptably large number of families in long-term mortgage arrears who now face repossession of their homes. The number of mortgages accounts in arrears is now declining. While just over 110,000 accounts were in arrears at the end of quarter four of 2014, this represented a decline of 6.4% compared to quarter three of 2014, and a decline of more than 26,000 accounts over the course of 2014. Almost 115,000 mortgage accounts were classified as restructured at the end of 2014, which represents an increase of more than 30,000 accounts during last year. At the end of 2014, there were almost 760,000 private residential mortgage accounts for principal dwellings. Almost 650,000 of these accounts, or 85%, were not in arrears. The number of accounts over 90 days in arrears continues to fall, and it has now fallen for five consecutive quarters. It is regrettable that there was a small increase in the number of accounts in arrears of more than 720 days but the increase of 294 was the lowest increase in that category recorded to date. People can use figures however they wish but they are the facts.Obviously, we are not seeing the same progress in the most difficult cases, namely, those in arrears for more than two years. Far too many mortgage arrears cases have ended up before the courts when they should have been resolved through earlier engagement between borrowers and their banks. Most cases could be resolved by the Insolvency Service of Ireland. It is right to expect the proportion of debt deals being accepted by creditors to increase.

We will debate the review when it is published. The Government is committed to acting on it. We recognise that some adjustments to the personal insolvency framework may be necessary to address this matter, for example, debt distressed families' awareness of the Insolvency Service, independent audits of the quality of the debt deals being recommended by personal insolvency practitioners, PIPs, the options available to borrowers where insolvency arrangements have been rejected by creditors and the supports that are available to families that cannot pay even restructured mortgages or meet the requirements of insolvency arrangements. A great deal of work is being done. I hope that, when the review is published in April, we can hold a further debate on it.

Senator Quinn referred to the deaths of two people because of carbon monoxide poisoning. They are regrettable, particularly given the fact that, as the Senator mentioned, detectors are on sale at a low price. The issue must be highlighted. While it is being addressed in the case of new homes, the public needs to be vigilant.

Senator Naughton discussed insolvency laws. I have dealt with that matter.

Senators Craughwell and MacSharry mentioned the difficulties being experienced at St. Angela's College in Sligo. Perhaps they could be updated by the Minister by tabling a Commencement matter.

Senators Craughwell, Eamonn Coghlan and others referred to bullying in the workplace. There is also bullying on social media. It is a major problem. The Senators asked that the matter be examined under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. The Minister attended the House on this issue previously, but we will try to arrange for him to attend again. There is dreadful bullying, and not only in the workplace. It is hurting many young people on social media and causing severe consequences.

Senator Hayden discussed mortgage arrears. I have dealt with that matter.

Senator van Turnhout mentioned the defence of reasonable chastisement. I note her points in that regard. She also stated that drinks companies should not have a role in public health. As she pointed out, the joint committee will address that matter.

Senator Wilson complimented the Government on acting quickly to plug the loophole in the Misuse of Drugs Act relating to head shops. In the previous Seanad, Senator Wilson and other Members played an important role in ending head shops and the products they supplied. The Senator is well capable of and qualified to speak on the issue because of his input during the previous Seanad.

I note Senator Paul Coghlan's points on the Fennelly report.

Senator Barrett welcomed the reopening of the Phoenix Park tunnel. The idea came from this House. As he stated, reopening the tunnel is a proper use of public expenditure. Senators Kelly and Leyden raised the issue of the prison officers' dispute. We should all acknowledge the work being done by everyone in the prison system and the many reforms that have been carried out in recent times. The driving force behind the progress made to date has been the constructive engagement and consultation between the management and the Prison Officers' Association on all aspects of the reform process under the joint task reviews as has been agreed under the Croke Park agreement. That positive and constructive engagement and consultation is required again and I hope all parties will sit down and resolve this issue. It should not go unnoticed that the prison officers are doing a wonderful job in very difficult circumstances.

Senator Mullen dealt with the need to tweak insolvency laws and give greater protection to the family home. That is what the Government is attempting to do and we will have a debate in the House when the review is complete. Senator Mullen also urged parties in Northern Ireland to come together and solve the problems which have arisen recently in respect of budgets. I am sure they will get together and do what is necessary. Senator Burke highlighted the need to examine long-term letting of properties and family homes in particular. I am sure that will all come under the review and we can have a debate in the House at that time.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan addressed the tragic accident in Argentina and the deaths of ten French people, including Olympians. We would all like to express our condolences to the families involved. The Senator also lauded the charitable foundation of Graeme McDowell, the golfer, and congratulated Mark English on his silver medal and the support given to him by the Irish Sports Council.

Senator Mullins spoke on the insolvency service and we will certainly have ample time to discuss the referendum and the points he made on it in the first week we come back. Senator Noone highlighted "sober day" and the St. Patrick's Day movement, which is certainly welcome. We wish the movement well in its effort. Senator Bradford congratulated the Irish people involved in the four winners to date at Cheltenham and commented on the many thousands of jobs involved in that industry.

Senator Crown addressed the selected leaking of some reports and the need for disclosure of the basis for the figures that were leaked. I agree with him and will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister. The Senator also makes a good point about a public registry for people lobbying on behalf of the tobacco industry. I will also bring that matter to the attention of the Minister.

I have dealt with Senator Leyden's remarks on the prison officers and Senator MacSharry's remarks on St. Angela's College.