Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will assist a person (details supplied) in County Cork to secure a P45 and P60 from their recent employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1373/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Forms P45 and particulars from the relevant P60 are on record in respect of the person in question, for the years 2005 to 2007 inclusive. Details from Form P60 for 2008 will be given to Revenue by 15th February 2008. Particulars can be requested by the person in question by contacting Revenue either by : Writing to PAYE Mail Centre, P O Box 63, Ennis, Co Clare; Telephoning 1890 22 24 25; By e-mail to swpaye@revenue.ie

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for Finance the facilities and concessions he proposes to allow for tax relief on medical expenses for infertile or subfertile couples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1389/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that, as I announced in Budget 2009, health expenses relief will be granted at the standard rate only in respect of expenses incurred from 1 January 2009, with the exception of nursing home expenses which will continue to be granted at the marginal rate. Issues relating to the provision of health care facilities are a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Health and Children.

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 277: To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he proposes to take to alleviate mortgage repayment problems confronting many people and particularly young couples. [1421/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has been pro-active in seeking to safeguard the interests of households that experience difficulties in meeting their mortgage payments owing to circumstances beyond their control. A particular priority is to ensure as much as possible that difficulties in relation to mortgage arrears do not result in legal proceedings for home repossession. Home repossession should be, and generally is, the last resort for the lender and the preferred method of dealing with arrears cases should be early intervention.

A mandatory requirement has been included for covered institutions participating in the guarantee scheme to confirm their compliance with the Irish Banking Federation (IBF) Code of Practice on Mortgage Arrears. The other IBF and Irish Mortgage Council members comply with the IBF Code on a voluntary basis. Banks participating in the Government's recapitalisation programme have agreed to take action to assist householders who are in arrears. The banks have confirmed that those in default on their home loans will be treated with respect and that they will work with mortgage holders to ensure that repossession is truly an option of last resort. Furthermore the recapitalised banks have also confirmed to Government that they will wait at least six months from the time arrears first arise before the enforcement of any legal action on repossession of a customer's primary residence.

The Mortgage Interest Supplement scheme provides short-term income support to those eligible who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments. My Department understands that over €20 million was paid out under the scheme in 2008. In addition, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), is a national, free, confidential and independent service for people in debt or in danger of getting into debt.

Under the Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code (CPC) which applies to home loan providers operating in the State, mortgage lenders are also required to contact the consumer as soon as they become aware that a mortgage account is in arrears irrespective of the amount of the arrears. They must also have in place a procedure for handling accounts in arrears. This procedure has to include a requirement that lenders should agree a remedial action plan with a borrower as soon as they detect arrears starting to emerge and try to assist the borrower to manage his or her financial commitments and not allow the situation to worsen. The Financial Regulator is currently considering the introduction of a statutory Code of Practice on Mortgage Arrears.

In the light of all of the above, I am satisfied that adequate safeguards are currently in place to alleviate mortgage repayment problems in Ireland. The Government will continue to monitor the situation carefully and will of course consider the requirement for any further responses in order that the legitimate interests of mortgage holders are safeguarded.