High Court, in an appeal against a Circuit Court order (Enright J) refusing to approve the appellant mortgagor in default's proposed personal insolvency arrangement in respect of her principle private residence, allows appeal and approves the arrangement where: (1) the debtor has satisfied the court that it is reasonably likely that the repayment provisions will be met into the future; (2) the bank is not unfairly prejudiced when the arrangement is compared to the situation that would exist in bankruptcy; and (3) the debtor's entitlement to remain in her home with her young children is preserved in circumstances where the bank retains any future claims against the debtor and co-mortgagor.
Personal insolvency - appeal from Circuit Court order (Enright J.) refusing debtor's application to bring into effect a proposed personal insolvency arrangement (PIA) - mortgage fell into significant arrears - arrangement objected to by bank as secured creditor - proposals made - splitting of mortgage together with dividend payment to unsecured creditors - basis of objection - incorrect calculations and no evidence of debtor's ability to repay on proposed terms - conduct of debtor demonstrates financial imprudence - onus on debtor - whether proposals will unfairly prejudice the interested parties - statutory preconditions under section 115(9) - considerations of fairness - splitting of mortgage will render bank's security unenforceable - debtor's position - whether the proposed PIA indicates an intention by secured creditor to forgive the co-debtor - co-debtor's non-involvement with process - question of 'unfair prejudice' - likely outcome in bankruptcy - notice of injustice - unequal treatment - proposal in the round - approach of the court in examinership applications - legislative scheme - continued occupation in principle private residence - debtor led astray by engagement with an unregulated entity - co-debtor's earnings attached by court order thereby provides security into the future - evidence of income - greater likelihood of PIA being met over time - appeal allowed - bank is not unfairly prejudiced - repayment provisions reasonably likely to be met by debtor - preservation of debtor's entitlement to continue to reside whilst secured creditor's claims against debtors will not be deprived - exercise of court's discretion - approval of proposed PIA.