Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This issue was the subject of a Topical Issue debate in this Chamber earlier this week. The reply that was given on that occasion, like the reply that was given to Deputy Shortall's parliamentary question, outlined the approach that is being taken in this regard. Both replies made it clear that further legal advice is being taken on this issue, that the court statements and judgments have been noted and that varying legal advice has been received. My Department has taken legal advice on this issue generally, although not necessarily in relation to a particular parliamentary question, and has drawn up its replies on that basis. It was made clear during the Topical Issue debate that the Department will be taking further advice. I will communicate directly with the Deputy when that information has been received.

The Government has taken a series of initiatives within the Departments of Justice and Equality and Social Protection to reach out to mortgage holders to ensure further information is available to them. Under a new scheme, vouchers for legal advice are made available to individuals to ensure they have better access to legal advice in the courts system. That new scheme has been taken up very successfully since it was announced some months ago. More general information and advice is also available. The Insolvency Service of Ireland has seen a very large increase in its activity recent months since the changes were made and the new scheme was announced. The new scheme has removed any financial barriers that may be encountered by people when they are deciding on the best way forward from a legal point of view. I will communicate further with the Deputy when I have received further legal advice on this issue.

See this speech in context