Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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126. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 21 November 2013, when the pilot mortgage to rent scheme is expected to be implemented throughout the local authority sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30640/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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On foot of the recommendations of the Keane Report on mortgage arrears, the Government launched a Mortgage to Rent scheme on a pilot basis in February 2012. This scheme was extended nationally in June 2012, targeting those low income families whose mortgage situation is unsustainable and where there is little or no prospect of a significant change in circumstances in the foreseeable future. The scheme ensures that the family remains in their home, while ownership is transferred to an approved housing body and the family becomes a tenant of the approved housing body. Eligibility requirements are in line with other forms of social housing support. 

The scheme for local authority borrowers in arrears which was piloted in two local authority areas, Westmeath County Council and Dublin City Council, has been rolled out nationally since February 2014. The mortgage arrears resolution process, already in place in respect of commercial mortgages, is now being implemented across all local authorities. In cases of acute mortgage distress, homeowners also have the option of seeking to avail of the legal process now in place to deal with personal insolvency.