Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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85. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if any examination has been done as to the extent to which cessation of mortgage interest relief has negatively impacted upon particular families; if anything can be done by way of support where loss of the family home is imminent through no fault of the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7718/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The administration of the mortgage interest relief scheme is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners and any changes to current arrangements is a matter for the Minister for Finance.

The most appropriate way in which families experiencing mortgage difficulties can be supported is through on-going engagement with their lender to explore sustainable solutions.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABs) assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems, in particular those on low incomes and people living on social welfare payments. In addition to its traditional core business MABS has been developed to provide additional services targeted at supporting mortgage holders in arrears. Guidance has recently issued to the Departments staff in the Community Welfare Service to inform persons experiencing difficulties with their mortgage repayments of these additional supports.

A Dedicated Mortgage Arrears MABS (DMA MABS) service has been established across 24 locations, which is focused on post-MARP cases, assisting mortgage holders to assess the extent to which the option on offer from the lender is the best and most sustainable option, and where required, negotiating with the lender on the client’s behalf.

Together with the Insolvency Service of Ireland, MABS has established a national network of Court Mentors to attend relevant Courts nationwide, where repossessions hearings are listed, to provide support to distressed borrowers and direct them to the appropriate services which can provide them with the necessary help and assistance.

In addition, there are currently approximately 2,980 mortgage interest supplement recipients. This scheme was discontinued for new applicants from 1 January 2014, with customers availing of this support prior to 1st January 2014 retaining entitlement until the cessation of scheme on 1st January 2018. The continued payment of mortgage interest supplement, the purpose of which was to provide short-term support to meet mortgage interest repayments, does little to assist families in improving the long term difficulty in addressing their mortgage problem. It is expected that over the remaining period existing customers will exit the scheme through: sustainable solutions being put in place with their lenders; securing employment; or exit strategies sponsored by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, such as the Mortgage to Rent Scheme.