Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 June 2004
149 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals he has to end the practice of jailing persons who are unable to pay their civil debts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18850/04]
View answerNo one is imprisoned for simple inability to pay a civil debt but the law does provide for imprisonment where, following an examination of means, the debtor refuses to obey a court order to pay the debt. The Government legislation programme does not include any proposals for amending legislation in this area. However, the area is one that continues to be kept under review taking into account the work of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, and other relevant agencies.
