Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2024
170. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the work of the Joint Review Group established by her Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners to examine the role of sheriffs, as currently constituted, in respect of State work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15866/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, on the 20th of March, I published the Sheriff Review Group Report.
The Joint Review Group, established by my Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, focused on the future role of Sheriffs, and endeavoured to establish if the role currently operates in line with best international practice, or if there is a more efficient and cost effective system of debt collection. It was carried out by a group set up jointly with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, under the chairmanship of a former Secretary General of the Department of Justice.
The Review group comprised representatives from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Courts Service, the Departments of Justice, Housing and Finance and an external representative from the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI).
The Review Group noted that overall debt recovery rates appear to be high by international standards. Recovery data, involving significant amounts, indicates that the sheriff service is not only effective in practice but also efficient in the way it operates.
The report identifies five key areas of focus and sets out 27 recommendations to support the continuation of the office of Sheriff into the future. A plan is currently being advanced to support the implementation of these recommendations.
The Sheriff Review Group Report can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/10630-report-of-the-sheriff-review-group.
