Local Authority Housing Mortgages

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013

Tuesday, 5 February 2013

Ceisteanna (601)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

601. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of holders of shared ownership mortgages who have been issued with the requirements to present a standard financial statements by the various local authorities a consequence of which may be referral to a credit bureau; if such a procedure is in accord with the function of a local authority as defined under the Housing Acts; if it is intended to make alternative provisions for families who may not be in a position to meet the requirements arising from such review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5957/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

In advancing loans for house purchase by lower income borrowers, it is of critical importance that local authorities make such funding available on the basis of sound lending criteria. My Department and individual local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that mortgage lending is prudentially based and that the capacity of a borrower to fully service a loan over the full term is realistically assessed and stress-tested. The current credit policy, which includes a requirement that all applications are subject to Irish Credit Bureau credit check, has been in effect since 2009 to ensure consistency and best practice across the sector by providing a clear evidence-based rationale for decisions on loan applications. All applicants are now assessed according to the same criteria and independent scrutiny. Their ability to pay at the time of application, and according to prevailing interest rates, is assessed and a variety of stress scenarios are also applied.

It is the case that the rate of refusal of applications has increased since the credit policy was introduced. However, it is also clear that the loans issued under that credit policy are more likely to be fully performing. I am satisfied that the current arrangements are fair and adequately meet the needs of prospective homeowners and local authorities.