Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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151. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of first-time buyers who have purchased mortgages from the companies that the ICS distribution platform was sold to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14364/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy should be aware that the ICS platform was sold to Dilosk Limited. As Dilosk Limited is a private company, I do not have access to business information relating to the company and accordingly, am not in a position to answer the Deputy's question.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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152. To ask the Minister for Finance his views that the sale of the ICS distribution platform has in any way contributed to greater competition for those seeking a mortgage on principal dwelling homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14365/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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At the time of its acquisition of the ICS distribution platform, Dilosk Limited stated the following on its web site:

"The Company will offer mortgages to borrowers seeking to purchase or refinance residential property with a particular focus on residential investment properties (i.e. Buy-to-Let). "

This is an important segment of the overall residential mortgage market. With the reduced number of lenders currently operating in the market, any new entrants are welcome as they will obviously increase competition to the ultimate benefit of the consumer over time.