Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 November 2016
90. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the status of the ongoing review of the Central Bank mortgage lending limits as specified in the programme for Government; the role of his Department in the review process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34100/16]
View answer94. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he has requested the Central Bank to procure an independent assessment of the arrears and negative equity loan books of the banks as per the recent programme for Government commitment; when this process will begin and conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34104/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 94 together.
The Central Bank has advised that the review of the macro prudential mortgage lending regulations is continuing and that it expects to publish the final outcome of that review by the end of November.
As part of this review process, the Central Bank initiated a public "call for evidence based submissions". The Department of Finance has engaged in this process and made a submission to the Central Bank. This submission is now available on the Department's website at the following link: http://www.finance.gov.ie/what-we-do/banking-financial-services/consultations/departments-submission-central-banks-review-0.
Regarding the quality of the banks' loan books, as regulator, the Central Bank has an ongoing role in monitoring the level of arrears and negative equity on mortgage and other loan assets of regulated credit institutions. The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a range of commitments in the broad housing and banking area and my Department is regularly engaging with the Central Bank on all the Programme for Government commitments which will impact on the Central Bank and its role in relation to mortgages.
