The Finance Minister Michael Noonan has confirmed that the Personal Insolvency Bill to reform our bankruptcy laws will not be published until April, despite his colleague Alan Shatter grabbing headlines today by claiming it would be published next week. 

Fianna Fáil Justice Spokesperson Dara Calleary said, “Minister Shatter’s fascination with spin over substance has again tripped up his Government. His eagerness for publicity on the Personal Insolvency Bill today led him to make promises that his Government will not keep. He had to be publically contradicted by his senior colleague Michael Noonan at a press conference this afternoon.

“We understand that it takes time to finalise complex legislation, and Fianna Fáil has repeatedly called for comprehensive approach to tackling personal debt and reforming insolvency laws. It is unfair for Minister Shatter to promise people who are deep in debt that legislation to address their problems will be published in a matter of days, when the truth is it will be months.

“Maybe Minister Shatter will think twice before engaging in media solo runs,” said Deputy Calleary.