I reinforce what Deputy Eugene Murphy said and ask the Taoiseach whether he will take the initiative and look at the various tranches of legislation at one Stage or another before the House to ensure evictions such as we witnessed in recent days will not happen again. Will he answer another question in the context of the programme for Government? It states the Government will introduce legislation to protect small and medium-sized businesses and those in difficulty with their mortgages against vulture funds, but nothing has happened in that regard.

This is Deputy Mattie McGrath's opportunity. He will not get a second one.

No. I am sorry, but I am coming in on a different issue.

I will respond to Deputy Barry's question about protection for renters. I thank those involved in Threshold for the excellent work they do, which is why the Government, through the taxpayer, funds the work it does. We have a rent Bill that will bring about far stronger protections for renters. It is the Government's priority legislation when it comes to renters. It is a matter for the Business Committee and the Oireachtas joint committee to decide what will happen to the Anti-Evictions Bill passed last week, but I am keen to emphasise that there is consensus in the House on the Government's Bill providing stronger protections for renters. Much work has been done on the Bill in consultation with the Residential Tenancies Board. It is the Government's priority to pursue the legislation as quickly as it can.

Does the Taoiseach wish to address the other questions briefly?

I will respond, first, to the questions from Deputies Eugene Murphy and McGuinness.

I agree with the sentiments expressed by Deputy Eugene Murphy. It is entirely appropriate that we now extend regulation to private security firms. We regulate doormen at night clubs and those who fit alarms in houses. It is entirely appropriate that we also regulate private security firms. The Minister for Justice and Equality is working on the issue and will come back with proposals in January. At the same time, we need to bear in mind that we have to stand over personal responsibility and people's responsibility to pay back the money they owe. There are people who need credit. There are many people who want to set up a business or buy a home for the first time. If others do not pay back their debts, there will be no credit for those who are trying to set up a business or buy a home for the first time.

I am not suggesting that.

If other people do not pay back their debts and there is no mechanism in place to enforce it, we all face higher interest rates, including everyone who has a business or mortgage. We need to be realistic and honest. If people borrow money, they have to pay it back. If they do not, they are denying others access to credit and driving up interest rates for everyone, which is socially wrong.

The Rural Independent Group is next.

The Taoiseach answered a question that he was not asked.

No; I am sorry, but there is no provision for this.

The Taoiseach was asked a different question which he should answer. Is he going to honour the commitment made in government that the Government will introduce legislation to protect those who are in difficulty with mortgages and the SME sector against vulture funds? What he has addressed is completely different. He wants to distract people from the real issue.

The Taoiseach may answer an appropriate question about the programme for Government.

I will take that question. The Government has brought forward a range of measures to give as much protection as possible to citizens who are facing great difficulty, whether mortgage holders or those who run or own small businesses. As the Deputy will be aware, recently I initiated through the Central Bank a review of the code of conduct on mortgage arrears. It shows that the measures we have in place are adhered to by the vast majority of banks and non-banks within the country. The review also covers the personal insolvency arrangements we have in place. When citizens make use of them, the overwhelming majority stay in their homes.