Personal Insolvency Bill

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 July 2012

Thursday, 19 July 2012

Questions (53)

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

53 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 114 of 5 July 2012, if it is the case that the Personal Insolvency Bill was discussed with representatives of the banks in the period between it being approved by Cabinet and the briefing of Members of the Oireachtas on 29 June; the names of the representatives of the banks present; the banks represented; the nature and length of the discussion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35945/12]

Written answers

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Following the publication of the Personal Insolvency Bill and the associated media briefing on 29 June, officials from the Department of Justice and Equality (which has primary functional responsibility for policy on insolvency), together with officials from my Department, provided a briefing session on the Bill to a number organisations that have a significant interest in this policy area. Among the organisations that attended this session, which was held prior to the briefing provided by officials to members of the Oireachtas also on 29 June, was a representative of the Irish Banking Federation. As many of the people that attended this briefing session were present in a representative capacity, it would not be appropriate for me to name individuals. In addition, the Government's Economic Management Council met with the main banks on 26 June 2012 to brief them on the Government's mortgage arrears strategy and to discuss with them their approach to help resolve this significant problem.