Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2023
98. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); if he can provide advice on the best way forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50132/23]
View answerThe Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme introduced in 2012 is targeted at those households in mortgage arrears who have had their mortgage position deemed unsustainable by their lender under the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process. In order for a borrower to qualify for the MTR scheme, the mortgage, property and household must meet detailed eligibility criteria.
As part of the normal administration of the scheme, the Housing Agency, which administers the scheme on my Department's behalf, must ensure that all the criteria underpinning the scheme are complied with in each case. The reasons why a case may not progress are varied and can depend on the lender, the property or the circumstances of the particular household. One of the main criteria underpinning the scheme is that it is a social housing solution and therefore is targeted at borrowers in arrears who qualify for social housing support.
Should it transpire that MTR is not an option in a particular case, I would encourage the borrower to discuss with their lender if there are other options available to resolve their mortgage arrears situation.
My focus, and that of the Government, is to ensure that as many households as possible remain in their homes and I would encourage borrowers to engage with the Abhaile Service, the national mortgage arrears resolution service, which is available free of charge. The unique element of Abhaile is that it brings together, for the first time, the full range of supports and services required by borrowers in home mortgage arrears. A dedicated adviser will work with the borrower and their lender to find the best solution for their particular situation. MABS acts as the gateway for the service and can be contacted by telephoning (076)1072000 or by accessing their website at: www.mabs.ie/abhaile.
