Yet the reasoning behind the current bankruptcy provisions is logical enough: education is an asset that cannot be repossessed and that keeps on benefiting the individual through his or her lifetime.

ECONOMIST: Student loans

The Irish government's National Asset Management Agency (Nama) has effectively repossessed an English shopping centre that was owned by two of Northern Ireland's wealthiest property developers.

BBC: Nama HQ

Initially repossessed by the former Anglo Irish Bank, it eventually came under the control of the Irish government's National Asset Management Agency (Nama).

BBC: Clients repaid fraction of Belfast investment