Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
291. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if his Department will provide a sensible solution to a housing issue for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30548/16]
View answerWhile lead responsibility for the Mortgage to Rent scheme rests with my Department, the Housing Agency co-ordinates its day-to-day functioning on my Department’s behalf. In relation to the specific case raised, I understand that as part of the normal administration of the scheme, the Housing Agency has offered the property to a number of Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) but each has declined to purchase it from the lender at the price the lender has set. This is because the value of the works that are required to bring the property to the standard for social housing makes the purchase of the property by an AHB financially unviable. At this point there is nothing further that the scheme can offer this borrower in these circumstances. I would therefore encourage the borrowers to re-engage with their lender to establish if there are other options available to them to resolve their mortgage arrears situation. I would also encourage the borrower to contact their local authority with regard to their particular long term housing needs.
The Government is committed to supporting households in long-term mortgage arrears to remain in their homes and has included a review of the MTR Scheme for borrowers of private commercial lending institutions as an action in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness. The review will examine what amendments can be made to the scheme to make it work better for borrowers. My Department has commenced work on scoping the review and in this regard has begun early consultations with key stakeholders. The review is to be complete by the end of the year.
In addition, the Government has established a new scheme to help people who are insolvent and in serious mortgage arrears on their home to access free, independent, expert advice. The Scheme of Aid and Advice for People in Mortgage Arrears provides financial and/or legal advice and assistance to people in this situation. The aim of the Scheme is to help mortgage holders in arrears to find the best solutions and keep them wherever possible, in their own homes. This service may also be of assistance to this particular borrower, and I would recommend that they contact their local MABS office for advice and assistance.
