JUDGMENTS AGAINST IRISH CONSUMERS FALL IN FIRST HALF OF 2020 AS NUMBERS AGAINST BUSINESSES RISE

The number and total value of judgments registered against Irish consumers fell sharply in the first half of 2020 compared to the same period last year, figures released today by registrar Irish Judgments show. But, a different pattern emerged with judgments against businesses.

The number of judgments against consumers fell by 45 percent, from 1,160 to 632, while the total value fell by 62 percent, from over €72 million to just under €28 million.

The average value of consumer judgments fell by nearly 30 percent, from €62,470 to £43,973. The median value fell by a much greater percentage, by 41 percent, from €13,218 to €7,796.

Judgments against Irish businesses actually rose from 250 to 315, a rise of 26 percent over the period. But, the total value registered against businesses fell by over 12 percent, from €4.9 million to €4.3 million, meaning the average value fell by over 30 percent from €19,484 to €13,545. The median value dropped to €5,842, a 28 percent fall from the €8,155 seen in the first half of 2019.

Mick McAteer as Registrar commented: “The latest data on judgments suggests that income support and regulatory interventions have shielded Irish households from the worst effects of the financial shocks caused by Covid19. But, the picture may be very different once the support measures are unwound.”