Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 2 inserts a definition of "electronic means". The definition is required as a result of the proposed new section 23 in amendment No. 21, which provides for the insolvency service to communicate via electronic means. Amendment No. 21 is designed to facilitate the processing of documents by the insolvency service and the Courts Service in regard to applications for the various debt resolution arrangements provided for in the Bill. In developing the necessary systems for the insolvency service to operate the new debt relief notice, DRN, the debt settlement arrangement, DSA, and the personal insolvency arrangement, PIA, there is a significant effectiveness and efficiency requirement for the new processes to operate on a paperless basis to the maximum extent possible. The various elements of each process should operate on an electronic completion and transmission basis. The amendment makes clear that the functions of the insolvency service can be discharged by electronic means.

Amendments No. 135 proposes the insertion of a new section 134, which is consistent with the approach elsewhere in the Bill to allow maximum use of technology in the processes. This new section will allow a court to receive and issue a document by electronic means and this will include a judgment or any order made by this court. This provision will facilitate an efficient deployment of staff and court time. These provisions can be brought into operate by rule of court. It is my intention to bring forward as soon as possible similar provision to facilitate electronic lodgement of documents or information in respect of a broad range of court proceedings. The amendments will ensure the court processes and the connectivity between the insolvency service and the courts are at the front line of technical possibilities with a view to reducing the volume of paper necessary.

It is setting up and establishing for the first time the type of system which should ultimately be applied right across the broad range of court procedures.