“I am backing a call from my colleague Fianna Fail Whip in Seanad Éireann, Diarmuid Wilson for a debate on the behaviour of financial institutions who are contacting consumers who default on payments. While I fully recognise that financial institutions have every right and obligation to pursue those who default in repayments of loans to them or outstanding balances on credit cards, I have heard some very distressing stories recently. Since I opened my constituency office in Drogheda, the number one issue I have dealt with are constituents who have come under what they perceive to be undue pressure from financial institutions. I have heard stories of people receiving telephone calls at all hours of the day, on an hourly basis. Many people facing personal debt now have never experienced it before. Job losses, reductions in hours and pay can all have a serious impact on household and personal budgets. I think that it is important that people are supported as they face up to their changing circumstances. Financial providers should deal with people with compassion and understanding in the first instance and try to work with them to reach agreed solutions.”