Debtors should not be jailed

Saturday, November 07, 2009

AS a Canadian living and working in Ireland I was shocked to see the recent headline (November 3) in your paper, proclaiming that Irish citizens are being jailed for being unable to pay their bills.

I would be very surprised if any other western country in the world penalises it’s own citizens with time behind bars do to inability to pay.

In Canada we have our own bailout clause called "bankruptcy", whereby anyone who recognises they will never be able to meet their financial commitments can file a claim with a trustee. Each case is reviewed by a court – however, never will a Canadian face jail time for incurring debt.

The consequences for declaring bankruptcy are not pleasant. Your name is blacklisted and you won’t get credit again for at least seven years. It is a humiliating experience, and statistics show that most people live for more than three years in financial crisis before resorting to bankruptcy.

In other words, it is a last-ditch effort born out of desperation. It is not a "get of jail card", it is a reasonable and compassionate answer for people who are in over their heads. It high time for Ireland to stand up against these medieval laws, and move into the 21st century

Sandra Walsh
The Meadows
Mountbellew
Co Galway

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Saturday, November 07, 2009