Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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741. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the number of local authority mortgages in existence; the total value of local authority mortgages outstanding; the number that are in arrears for more than 90 days; the total amount of arrears on local authority mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29804/15]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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742. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the actions being taken to put in place a sustainable solution to assist persons who are in arrears to a local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29805/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 741 and 742 together.

My Department publishes a wide range of housing statistics, including the number and value of local authority mortgages, with a breakdown of those in arrears. The statistics are available on my Department’s website at:www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/HousingStatistics/FileDownLoad,15295,en.xlsby clicking “Mortgage Data/Arrears in Local Authorities” under the Housing Loans contents.

The Central Bank’s Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears requires all mortgage lenders to ensure that it has in place a Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP) as a framework for handling such cases. My Department introduced guidelines for local authorities in 2012 and, subsequently, issued revised guidelines in June 2014. These guidelines, Dealing with Mortgage Arrears – A Guide for Local Authorities, are available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,30943,en.pdf.

A range of alternative repayment arrangements are available to local authority borrowers in arrears under the MARP. These include interest only repayments on the mortgage for a period of time; paying interest and part of the capital for a period of time; deferring, in exceptional circumstances, payment for a period of time; extending the term of the mortgage to a maximum of 35 years and a maximum borrower age of 70; changing the type of the mortgage, in certain circumstances; adding arrears and interest to the principal amount due; and Local Authority Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme. The operation of MARP within local authorities is kept under constant review. In cases of acute mortgage distress, homeowners also have the option of seeking to avail of the legal process now also in place to deal with personal insolvency. The most important step any household in arrears can take is to engage early with the Arrears Support Unit of the local authority. Solutions are available and advice should be sought as early as possible.