Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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416. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in the context of applications for repossession orders at various courts, including county registrars sittings, she will take steps to put in place a solicitors panel, equivalent to the Legal Aid Solicitors Panel, which would ensure that each of the householders have appropriate legal advice and representation available prior to any such application proceeding and which would require all such applications to be adjourned and-or stayed in order to enable appropriate consultation with the mortgagors to proceed and that no steps in such proceedings be permitted until the proper legal representation is provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18650/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Government recognises that the level of mortgage arrears represents a significant economic and social challenge and is acutely aware of the difficulties some borrowers are facing in meeting their mortgage commitments. In this context, the Government welcomes evidence of increasing engagement between borrowers and lenders which has resulted in over 115,000 sustainable restructured solutions being put in place. In addition, this year has witnessed an increase in the number of those availing of the services of the Insolvency Service of Ireland.

As the Deputy is aware, the Government is committed to continuing to address this issue as a priority. Arising from an ongoing review, it will shortly be announcing a package of measures to improve the existing framework and increase uptake of personal insolvency solutions. As part of this process, the Government is examining a variety of means to ensure support for distressed borrowers although it should be stressed that such supports will necessitate engagement by the borrowers concerned with their lending institutions.