Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the regulation of debt collectors and agencies; if he will take steps to more strictly regulate same in order to protect vulnerable debtors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58087/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Responsibility for the licensing of the financial activity of debt collectors does not come within the area of responsibility of my Department. However, I should mention that the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 provides some protection to consumers against inappropriate methods of collecting repayments. Under section 11 of that Act, it is an offence to demand payment of a debt in a way designed to alarm, distress or humiliate. Any person who is threatened or intimidated by debt collectors should report the incident to the Gardaí who will take appropriate action.