Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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181. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will examine a submission on a proposal (details supplied) which offers a possible and affordable solution to the distressed mortgage crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34761/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Earlier this year and following an assessment of progress to date, the Government introduced a package of measures on tackling mortgage arrears. The aim of these measures is to ensure delivery of the Government’s commitment to addressing the mortgage arrears challenge and in particular to make available a range of options to distressed borrowers and to keep as many people in their homes as possible. Measures announced include:

- Improvements to the operations of the courts both in terms of procedures and powers;

Improvements to the operation of the Personal Insolvency Service;

- Ensuring that the necessary information is made available to those in mortgage arrears by strengthening the role of MABS and providing expert advice to borrowers;

- The introduction of measures to assist those in rented accommodation that is subject to a repossession order;

- A communications campaign to ensure that those in mortgage arrears are fully aware of their options;

- The strengthening of existing schemes including the Mortgage to Rent Scheme and ensuring that those in need of social housing have their eligibility assessed without delay.

While responsibility for these measures is spread across a number of Departments, the Mortgage to Rent Scheme falls under my remit. Improvements include a broadening of the property value thresholds to ensure that more properties qualify, introducing flexibility in relation to the size of properties that qualify and a changing of the rules with regard to negative equity to enable those with a marginal positive equity to also qualify.

With regard to the rent and purchase option put forward by the Deputy, while my Department is now focusing on the delivery of progress under the new measures in place, there will be a need to review progress on a regular basis. I will ensure that the merits of the proposal offered are considered in the light of any future reviews.