Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Finance the way that customers in each of the State controlled banks have been precluded from qualifying for the enhanced mortgage interest relief owing to the Christmas holiday arrangements of each of the lending institutions which did not allow the draw down of any loan cheque from approximately the middle of December 2012 to 31 December 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3833/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I have been supplied with the following information by the State controlled banks.

AIB’s Central and Retail staff worked closely with its customers and their solicitors in ensuring loan conditions were satisfied to enable funds to be released by year end. Significant resources were provided in this regard and staff were deployed at evenings and weekends throughout the month and up to the close of business on December 31st to ensure that all funds were released on time where customers had fulfilled drawdown conditions. AIB can confirm that all fully satisfied mortgage drawdown requests were processed on time to avail of TRS and this resulted in AIB’s December mortgage drawdowns being approximately double its 2012 monthly average. For information, AIB electronically transfers drawdown funds directly to its customers’ solicitors accounts to ensure funds are immediately available.

PTSB

All requested loan cheques were issued prior to Christmas. None were required on the 30th and 31st December.

IBRC

IBRC does not issue any new mortgages.