To ask the Minister of Justice whether she is considering suspension of intention of enforcement and enforcement notices of property repossessions initiated by mortgages providers and issued by the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Service as an Executive response to the impact of COVID-19.

In response to the particularly challenging economic environment across Northern Ireland as a result of COVID-19, the Enforcement of Judgements Office (EJO) is committed to working collaboratively with all debtors throughout this crisis period in the management of Enforcement Orders registered against them.

Following consultation with a number of their key stakeholders EJO are suspending the execution of existing Notice of Intentions to enforce a repossession judgement for a period of 3 months. This will remain subject to review. However they may proceed with the repossession of properties which are not occupied that are currently in the system.

In most cases, orders for the repossession of a property are issued by the Chancery Court in Northern Ireland who on 19 March issued directions regarding the progression of business, further to the direction of the Lord Chief Justice of 17 March 2020. Subsequently, all matters currently in the court system which are not of critical importance will be adjourned generally and no new business will be issued until further notice.