Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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266. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 13 May 2015, and in respect of the 36,256 private dwelling house mortgage accounts classified as restructured which are in arrears, the way this was broken down between accounts that were in arrears prior to restructuring, where the arrears balance has not yet been eliminated, and accounts that are in arrears on the current restructuring arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19933/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Further to the Central Bank Residential Mortgage Arrears and Repossessions statistics in respect of quarter four 2014, I am informed by the Central Bank that the banks do not report data for statistical purposes to them in such as way as to facilitate the requested breakdown. Consequently, I am unable to provide the specific breakdown requested of accounts in arrears prior to restructuring and accounts in arrears on the current restructuring arrangement. 

The Government is committed to helping people in arrears to reach sustainable solutions and engagement between lenders and mortgage holders has resulted in almost 115,000 solutions to the end of December. The major reforms announced by the Government on 13 May are designed to help more people to access the supports, options and solutions available and, in particular, to support mortgage holders in long term arrears.

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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267. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of a charity in the United Kingdom (details supplied) in providing assistance to bank customers in mortgage arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19947/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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As you know the issue of mortgage arrears is an important issue for Government and on 13 May the Government agreed a number of new measures to support mortgage holders who are in arrears. Building on action already taken, the measures aim to increase the supports available to people in arrears and to increase the numbers of people availing of them. 

With regard to the status of the StepChange Debt Charity, I understand that talks are ongoing between the organisation and Irish banks regarding the proposition that StepChange would operate an advice service to help people struggling with the burden of debt to find a solution to their problems.