Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2011
42 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to protect homeowners with distressed mortgages where the loans were advanced by the local authorities; and if he will instruct the local authorities to show the same level of flexibility to these homeowners as is being shown by the main financial institutions. [6834/11]
View answerThe Government is acutely conscious of the difficulties many households are facing in terms of mortgage arrears and our Programme for Government sets out a range of credible and meaningful measures that will help households challenged to meet mortgage commitments. In terms of arrears among borrowers from local authorities, I believe it is essential that such borrowers should expect at least the same degree of flexibility as is being shown to borrowers from private lending institutions. The very low rate of repossession by local authorities demonstrates that this has traditionally been the case. However, to ensure consistency of treatment for all borrowers in arrears, my Department is currently updating comprehensive guidance on arrears management to reflect the changes introduced by the Financial Regulator in the revised Code of Conduct for Mortgage Arrears which came into effect on 1 January 2011. The Code of Conduct requires that each lending institution has in place a Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP) as a framework for handling cases of mortgage arrears. As part of the new guidance being prepared, my Department will issue a single MARP for use by all authorities.
43 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed reductions in income thresholds in respect of eligibility for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6727/11]
View answerI refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 279 and 280 of 5 April 2011 which outline the position in this matter.
