Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Finance the plans he has to change the rate of mortgage interest relief; the further plans he has to offer other types of assistance to people with large mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24945/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The question of any change in the rate of mortgage interest relief would be a matter to be considered in the context of future Budgets. Having said that, I would point out to the Deputy that this Government has provided significant supports to home owners with large mortgages. In Budget 2008, the ceiling for first-time buyer mortgage interest relief was increased to €10,000 for a single person and €20,000 for a married couple or widowed person, fulfilling the commitment contained in the Government programme. The increase in Budget 2008 follows on from the increase in interest relief for first-time buyers in Budget 2007. In that Budget, the ceiling for first-time buyers was doubled from €4,000 for a single person and €8,000 for a married couple or widowed to €8,000 for a single person and €16,000 for a married couple or widowed person.

Cumulatively, therefore, as a result of the two Budgets, first-time buyers have obtained additional relief of up to €100 per month, if single, or €200 per month, if married or widowed, subject to paying sufficient mortgage interest to avail of the relief. In addition to the increase in mortgage interest relief, the limit of the exemption from income tax which applies to rent received when a person rents out a room or rooms in his or her principal private residence was increased from €7,620 to €10,000 in Budget 2008.