Social Welfare Code

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2010

Wednesday, 29 September 2010

Questions (1134, 1135, 1136, 1137, 1138)

Finian McGrath

Question:

1225 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will support a matter (details supplied). [31813/10]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

1239 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding mortgage interest supplement for those in receipt of invalidity pension and not in mortgage arrears; if any provisions have been made for this group; if their mortgage interest supplement will be stopped completely; if this happens, and they sell their homes, may they apply to their local authority for housing; his views on whether the proposed changes will effectively force this group of persons into mortgage arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31777/10]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

1245 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to implement changes to the mortgage interest supplement scheme, following the findings and recommendations for reform of this scheme as set out in the recent report by the mortgage arrears and personal debt review group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32019/10]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

1251 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection when he expects to implement changes to the mortgage interest supplement scheme, following a review of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32292/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

1366 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when legislation is expected to expand and review the mortgage interest supplement scheme. [33836/10]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1225, 1239, 1245, 1251 and 1366 together.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of mortgage interest to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department.

My Department's review of the administrative, policy and legal aspects of mortgage interest supplement was published in July 2010. The report was published in conjunction with the interim report of the Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Review Group.

My Department is currently developing an implementation plan that will set out a framework for the future of the mortgage interest supplement scheme. This plan will be completed when the recommendations of the final report of the Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Review Group are available. This report is expected to be completed shortly.