Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt the findings of a report that will arise in a month by setting out new guidelines. It is more appropriate to wait for the report to be published. It is examining the 30-hour rule, the trend in the administration and costs of the programme, the impact of the code of practice on mortgage arrears and on mortgage interest supplement and the impact of mortgage interest supplement on how the banks are reacting to clients in arrears. It will also examine the relationship between the 12-month moratorium and the mortgage interest supplement. Our aim is to support as many people as possible, not restrict mortgage interest supplement. This year, over €60 million will be spent on the supplement.

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