As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Bank collects detailed consumer data and information in relation to aspects of the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) is part of this Conduct of Business Reporting (COBR). The COBR is collected from selected principal credit institutions and retail credit firms holding personal residential mortgages. I have been informed by the Central Bank that the reporting institutions were selected on the basis of representation of the market and the data relates to personal consumers, as defined in the Consumer Protection Code 2012, resident in the State only.
Central Bank data shows that in the most recent reporting period (i.e. H2 2018), 231 decisions were reported as having been made by the Banks’ Appeals Boards in relation to appeals against the decision of the Arrears Support Units regarding Alternative Repayment Arrangements (ARAs). 19% of appeals received were upheld or partially upheld in favour of the borrower and 81% were rejected.
The Central Bank has informed me that the institutions do not specifically report appeals against the non-offer of an ARA.