I propose to take Questions Nos. 921 to 923, inclusive, together.
The Government has committed to take decisive action to address the mortgage arrears challenge; to ensure that a full range of options is available to distressed borrowers; and to keep as many people in their homes as possible.
As part of the package of commitments on mortgage arrears announced by Government recently, a number of amendments to the private (AHB) mortgage to rent scheme are included which will enable more properties to qualify for this scheme. These amendments do not require legislative changes to be brought into effect. The administrative changes required will be in place by the end of June.
My Department has been involved in on-going discussions internally, and with Approved Housing Bodies, Financial Institutions and the Housing Agency regarding the operation and progress on the private (AHB) mortgage to rent scheme. These discussions are not the subject of financial contracts but form part of an ongoing process of engagement with relevant stakeholders to remove any obstacles that may arise in the implementation of the scheme.