I've been told the very same by a professional in Ireland. That they are allowing people to sell, that they 'say' you are liable for the shortfall, but that they in essence do nothing about it.
Whether in the future they will come after you if things improve I cannot answer. After the bubble collapse in the UK in the eighties the banks did chase people a few years later and caught them when they had got good jobs/assets/inheritances. You have to be careful about the statute of limitations and acquire nothing is my advice until then, but consult a solicitor for concrete advise on the time limits on banks chasing you.