Legislative Reviews

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022

Tuesday, 25 January 2022

Ceisteanna (475)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

475. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice when it is expected that the ongoing statutory review of the Personal Insolvency Acts will be completed and the resulting amendment Bill be published; if this Bill will specifically provide for the type of personal insolvency arrangement solutions endorsed by a person (details supplied) that resolve long-term mortgage arrears cases for older persons and persons living on social welfare that do not qualify for the mortgage-to-rent scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2998/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

My Department is currently finalising the review of the operation of Part 3 of the Personal Insolvency Acts 2012 to 2015, as required by section 141 of the Act.

Part 3 provides for the three new insolvency arrangements introduced in 2012, namely the Debt Relief Notice, Debt Settlement Arrangement and the Personal Insolvency Arrangement, and for the process of the appointment of personal insolvency practitioners.

Completion of the review was unfortunately delayed by other priority legislation, including the Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Act 2021. This Act made a number of urgent changes to facilitate insolvent persons, including those in financial difficulties arising from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, being able to avail effectively of the personal insolvency legislation, and to modernise and streamline a small number of key processes and procedures under that Act.

Completion of the review is now proceeding, and I expect to receive the report in early 2022.

I am committed to addressing recommendations for further changes to the legislation in a General Scheme of a further Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Bill.