Insolvency Bill implementation
Willie O’Dea asks when the insolvency legislation will become operational and also seeks progress on valuation legislation. The Taoiseach expects Committee Stage in or around October and says training and appointments for the new advisory service must proceed in parallel.
I wish to raise two items. When can we expect the valuation (amendment) Bill, to amend the Valuation Act? Second, with regard to the insolvency Bill, the Taoiseach indicated that it will be October, at the earliest, before Committee Stage is taken. He will be aware that a big administrative mechanism must be put in place to bring this Bill into effect. When does he expect the legislation to be in operation?
Comment on this
No, a Cheann Comhairle. When will the legislation actually be in operation? Is it realistic to state that it will not be in operation until early 2013, at the earliest?
Comment on this
I expect the Bill to be on Committee Stage in October but if we can get it onto that Stage before the end of September when the Dáil resumes, so much the better. It will go straight from Second Stage to Committee Stage. If we conclude Second Stage before the recess, that will be better. Obviously arrangements must be made in respect of training and appointing personnel for the advisory service that must be provided. That is part of the process that must take place as the legislation proceeds. Parallel with that, banks and lenders now know the legislation will be published on Friday and that it will become a reality. There is nothing to stop them increasing their interaction with their customers in respect of working out solutions for their circumstances and their mortgage situations.
I expect the valuation (amendment) Bill to be ready in the next session.