Noel Grealish
Ceist:
573. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the number of home repossession cases in the courts system in the past 12 months; if the number of such cases before the courts has increased or decreased since May 2020 (details supplied); the number of refusals to allow repossession; the number of successful applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5387/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made regarding the number of home repossession cases in the courts system in the past 12 months.
Unfortunately, it has not been possible for the Courts Service to compile the information in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is received from the Courts Service.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 573 which was for answer on 3 February 2021, in which you asked for the number of home repossession cases in the courts system in the past 12 months; if the number of such cases before the courts has increased or decreased since May 2020; the number of refusals to allow repossession; the number of successful applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. As you will recall, the relevant information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to contact you again when the details were to hand.
Unfortunately, it has not been possible for the Courts Service to compile the information in the time available, as had been hoped.
I am informed by the Courts Service that these statistics are compiled on an annual basis for the Courts Service Annual Report. The 2019 Annual Report, which was published last July, is available on the Courts Service website at: https://www.courts.ie/acc/alfresco/9bd89c8a-3187-44c3-a2e9-ff0855e69cb5/CourtsServiceAnnualReport2019.pdf/pdf#view=fitH. You will find information related to repossessions at pages 51 to 52.
However, the 2020 figures will not be available until May, when they are compiled in preparation for the 2020 Annual Report later this year.
The Government is committed to ensuring adequate resources for the courts in order to maintain access to justice for all citizens. This commitment was reinforced recently with the highest ever budgetary allocation for the Justice sector including €158.8 million for the Courts Service. This included €8 million for the new Courts Modernisation Programme along with an additional provision of €5.7m for COVID measures to enable court sittings take place in a socially distanced and safe environment. A significant priority for my Department and the Courts Service in the years ahead will be to significantly invest in digital technology, to transform the experience of practioners and of court users.
I trust that this information is of assistance.
