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Home / Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) / Are creditors legally required to accept a DAS?
DEBT ARRANGEMENT SCHEME (DAS)

Are creditors legally required to accept a DAS?

Creditors are given notice and can object. If none of them object within a set period, the DPP is deemed approved. If a creditor objects, the DAS Administrator considers whether the objection is reasonable — DPPs can be approved even where a creditor objects, if the plan is deemed fair.

The creditor consent process

When a DPP is submitted, AiB notifies all listed creditors and gives them a set period (typically 21 days) to respond.

Creditors can consent, object, or not respond. Non-response is treated as consent — the same fair-play principle as Trust Deeds.

If any creditor objects, the DAS Administrator considers the objection. Objections must be reasonable — a creditor cannot simply block a fair DPP because they prefer immediate full payment.

Fair and reasonable test

The DAS Administrator applies a fair and reasonable test to any objected-to DPP. Factors considered include the debtor's circumstances, the affordability of the payment, the reasonableness of the timeline, and whether alternative routes exist.

Approved DPPs are legally binding on all listed creditors, whether they consented, objected or did not respond.

Effect of protection

Once a DPP is approved and Protected, creditors cannot pursue the debts covered. They cannot take court action, instruct enforcement agents, or add interest.

This is the fundamental benefit of DAS over an informal DMP — legal protection, not just voluntary cooperation.

Key takeaways

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