Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I join with the Deputy in praising the MAB service. We cannot do that enough. The work that organisation does across the country is critically important for families in challenging financial situations.

Abhaile is the national State-funded mortgage arrears resolution service that provides expert financial and legal advice and assistance to borrowers in home mortgage arrears, with the aim to identify, and put into place, solutions to those arrears that will, wherever possible, enable the borrower to remain in their own home. It is a non-statutory service, jointly funded and overseen by the Departments of Justice and Social Protection. It is implemented by MABS, which acts as the gateway for advice and support to borrowers, working with the Insolvency Service of Ireland, Legal Aid Board, Courts Service and Citizens Information Board.

Abhaile was established initially in 2016 for a three-year period. It was extended in September 2019 for a further three years and in November 2022 a further extension was made to the end of 2023. These extensions were made by the Government based on the continued need for the service and in the context of a forthcoming review to establish the future of the service. I understand that this review process began in 2021 with an initial independent governance review of the Abhaile service and a subsequent strategic review commenced in 2022, also by independent consultants. The purpose of the strategic review was to examine the overall operation, objectives and future of the Abhaile service in the context of its delivery since its establishment in 2016. The Ministers for Social Protection and Justice, Deputies Humphreys and Harris, respectively, are expecting the final report of this review in the coming weeks.

Consultations have been undertaken with key internal and external stakeholders, including submissions, meetings and workshops. An extensive programme of survey research has been completed among clients of the service, as well as those who have a direct connection with the service. An international comparison review and an analysis of economic indicators were also conducted in parallel, so it is a significant piece of work. The emerging indications point to a continued need for the Abhaile service at this time given the potential increased demand arising from mortgage interest rate rises. While levels of mortgage arrears have thankfully dropped generally in recent years, specific cohorts in, or at risk of entering, an arrears situation continue to need the support and guidance of the Abhaile service.

Initial outputs arising from engagement with stakeholders indicate that overall the different services delivered through Abhaile are viewed positively by stakeholders but, similar to any service, there is room for improvement. There is also an identified need to improve data collection in order to better track outcomes. The final strategic review report will make recommendations on service delivery. I understand the Ministers will consider these recommendations, which they expect to have soon, and will jointly bring a memorandum to the Government outlining the strategic review's findings.

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