Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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228. To ask the Minister for Finance the guidelines or rules he has in place for mortgage lending institutions regarding the methods of calculation of tax relief at source for individual mortgage holders, or if it is the case that lending institutions can use their own discretion in this regard; if he is satisfied that the current procedures in place regarding the repayment of mortgages adequately takes the best interests of the borrower into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1170/16]

Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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229. To ask the Minister for Finance the measures he has in place to assist members of the public in being made aware of their entitlements and rights under the tax relief at source scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1171/16]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 229 together.

As the Deputy is aware, mortgage interest relief, which is administered by Revenue through the Tax Relief at Source (TRS) system, does not apply to loans taken out after 31 December 2012.  However, qualifying loans taken out between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2012 are eligible for the relief up to and including 31 December 2017.

In regard to the Deputy's question on the operation of TRS by mortgage lending institutions, I am advised that Revenue issues detailed instructions to each lending institution setting out the criteria to be used in calculating the correct amount of mortgage interest relief applicable to the various qualifying loans. The lending institutions then apply the criteria to the interest payments received from borrowers to calculate the correct amount of relief. Revenue also carries out regular assurance checks to ensure the lending institutions are applying the relief in line with the instructions.

In regard to the Deputy's question on making the public aware of the relief, Revenue has confirmed to me that it has published very comprehensive notes and guidelines in relation to Tax Relief at Source (TRS) entitlements on its website at and that it also operates a telephone helpline service on 1890 46 36 26 to assist borrowers in correctly claiming their entitlements.

I am satisfied that the measures already in place by Revenue are sufficient to ensure that mortgage interest relief is applied in accordance with the legislation.