Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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159. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will communicate with each of the pillar banks seeking a deferral of mortgage repayments on commercial and residential properties without flood insurance that were flooded during the recent flooding; if he will secure a commitment from the banks that a flexible approach will be taken to repayments for all small businesses damaged or forced to close during the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45996/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that I, in my role as Minister for Finance, have no direct function in the relationship between the banks and their customers. I have no statutory function in relation to the commercial  decisions made by individual institutions at any particular time and these are taken by the board and management of the relevant institution. A Relationship Framework has been specified that defines the nature of the relationship between the Minister for Finance and each bank and the Relationship Frameworks for AIB and BOI can be found at: and .

Notwithstanding this, I would expect the banks to show flexibility and understanding to those customers who have been affected by the recent flooding events. A direct response from AIB and Bank of Ireland to the questions raised by the Deputy is detailed below.

AIB:

"AIB is acutely aware of the significant impact that flooding has had on homeowners and businesses. AIB has already announced details of a range of measures to assist businesses, farmers and personal customers who have suffered damage in the recent flooding. The bank has also put in place an Emergency Flood Response Line with effect from Wednesday, 15th December.

Personal customers who have experienced flooding in their homes can avail of a number of potential solutions including a range of mortgage supports tailored to individual customer circumstances. Since the Christmas trading period can be so critical to many business customers who may have been impacted by the recent flooding, AIB has also announced a number of potential solutions for this sector. The bank has confirmed that a team of experienced advisors will be on hand to assist customers and connect them to the relevant contact person in their local AIB/EBS Branch or Business Centre where necessary.

BOI:

"Bank of Ireland has put in place a fast track process (effective 9th December) for mortgage customers to apply for a moratorium of up to 3 months on their mortgage payments if they have been affected by recent weather events and flooding. This is part of a number of supports introduced for our consumer and business customers. The Bank has also introduced a €20 million loan fund with discounted lending rates available to individuals or businesses impacted. These arrangements are supported by proactive communication to customers locally. Impacted customers should call to their branch and speak with the manager or a member of their team who can advise them of the options available to them."