Mortgage arrears court
Deputy Doherty called for the promised court to deal with mortgage arrears and insolvency cases, warning that repossessions were continuing. The Taoiseach said the legislation would be delivered, work was under way despite legal difficulties, and the Abhaile supports and other changes were helping people in mortgage distress.
The programme for Government recommends the establishment of a new court to handle mortgage arrears and other personal insolvency claims sensitively and expeditiously. It goes on to state that it would impose solutions, including those recommended by the new service. That was a year ago, yet four repossessions are happening every day. The situation has got out of control and people are losing their homes. They are being forced to surrender their homes voluntarily because they do not have enough support to take on the banks.
The Taoiseach may talk about Abhaile and other services, but as regards that specific commitment in the programme for Government, when will a dedicated new court be established? Is legislation being drafted and, if so, will we see it in the House this year? I am not talking about the Minister's answer yesterday which mentioned a repossessions court. The commitment is not about a court to fast-track repossessions, it is for a dedicated new court that can sensitively and expeditiously handle mortgage arrears. Will this commitment ever be delivered by the Government?
Comment on this
Yes, it will be delivered and work is proceeding on that legislation. The Attorney General's office advised about a number of difficulties with certain elements of it, but work is proceeding on it. I am glad the Deputy mentioned Abhaile. The other changes that have been brought about are helpful to people in mortgage distress.
To answer the Deputy's question directly, the work on the provision of a court specifically dealing with this is under way. They are dealing with some of the observations that have been made.