Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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54. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for mortgage support refused in each of the past three years and to date in 2015; the extent to which such cases have been reviewed or appealed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9762/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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56. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a mortgage support was refused on the grounds of its unsustainability, and the mortgage was subsequently proven to be sustainable, thereby raising the question of the extent of fair treatment afforded in such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9764/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 56 together.

The Government’s strategy to assist those in mortgage difficulty is built around the following measures, as recommended in the 2011 Interdepartmental Mortgage Arrears Working Group (Keane Group), in four main distinct areas:

- Lenders providing sustainable and durable resolution options to their borrower;

- A social housing response sponsored by local authorities;

- Comprehensive advice to borrowers; and

- Personal Insolvency Reform.

In the context of the overall strategy, the continued payment of mortgage interest supplement, the purpose of which was to provide short-term support to meet mortgage interest repayments, does little to assist recipients in improving the long term difficulty in addressing their mortgage problem.

Discontinuation of entitlement to the mortgage interest supplement scheme came into effect for new applicants from 1 January 2014. Customers availing of this support prior to 1st January 2014 have been able to retain entitlement to the scheme up to 1st January 2018. There are currently approximately 5,600 mortgage interest supplement recipients for which the Government has provided almost €12 million for in 2015. It is expected that during this four year period, the existing customers will exit the scheme through: sustainable solutions being put in place with their lenders; securing employment; or exit strategies sponsored by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Statistics are not available on the number of mortgage interest supplement applications which were refused during the past three years. Similar to most social welfare schemes, there is an independent appeals process available under the Social Welfare Appeals Office in respect of decisions made under the mortgage interest supplement scheme. Statistical information on the mortgage interest supplement cases reviewed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office for each of the last three years is provided in the attached tabular statement.

I am satisfied that the most appropriate way in which customers experiencing mortgage difficulties can be supported is through engagement with their lender.

Tabular Statement – Social Welfare Appeals Office and Mortgage Interest Supplement