Both SCARP and examinership are rescue mechanisms for insolvent but viable Irish companies, but they differ significantly in cost, accessibility, and process. Examinership is a High Court process suited to larger companies, is expensive, and requires court oversight throughout. SCARP is an out-of-court process designed specifically for small companies, making it faster and far more affordable. Both involve appointing an independent practitioner to assess the business and propose a survival scheme to creditors. SCARP brought rescue restructuring within reach of the vast majority of Irish SMEs who could never have afforded examinership.
