While they still often represent a point of last resort, the options available to individuals unable to meet debts as they fall due, are much greater today in Ireland than just a few years ago. The right option or vehicle will often depend on the overall size of the persons indebtedness, and the way it is secured.

The Insolvency Service of Ireland is an independent statutory body with an objective to "restore insolvent persons to solvency" (1). There are four different types of solutions available and we have gathered information on all four to allow you to have a better understanding of each.

ISI Figures Q1 2019: (2)

Personal Insolvency Arrangements - 257
Debt Relief Notice - 50
Debt Settlement Arrangement - 40
Bankruptcy - 83

ISI Figures 2018: (3)

Personal Insolvency Arrangements - 959
Debt Relief Notice - 189
Debt Settlement Arrangement - 164
Bankruptcy - 397

Personal Insolvency Arrangement: an insolvency solution for people with unsecured and secured debts (a debt backed or secured by an asset e.g. a housing loan where a house is mortgaged to secure the loan debt). It is a formal agreement with creditors that will write off some unsecured debt and restructure any remaining secured debt, while keeping the person in their home where possible. (4)

Debt Settlement Arrangement: an agreement with creditors that allows for some write off of unsecured debt. With this solution a person agrees to pay a percentage of their overall debt over a specified period of time. At the end of that period of time they will be solvent. (5)

Debt Relief Notice: an insolvency solution for people who have a low income, few assets and debts of less than EUR35,000 where it is unlikely that a person will be in a position to repay them and it is unlikely their financial situation will improve in the next 3 years. (6)

Bankruptcy: a High Court insolvency solution for people in debt over EUR20,000. The ownership of the person's property and possessions transfer to the Official Assignee in Bankruptcy to be sold for the benefit of those to whom the individual owes debts. The Official Assignee will make sure that the proceeds are shared out among creditors and any outstanding debt will be written off. People are usually discharged from bankruptcy after one year. (7)

CRIF Vision-net allows you to search for all 4 ISI Solutions as well as 7 other checks in our 'Credit Check Individuals' feature.
To find out more about our Credit Check services, simply contact us today on Tel: +353 1 903 2660 or Email: Helpdesk.vision-net@crif.com

(1) About The ISI
(2) ISI 2019 Q1 Report
(3) ISI 2018 Report
(4) Personal Insolvency Arrangement
(5) Debt Settlement Arrangement
(6) Debt Relief Notice
(7) Bankruptcy