Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
1230. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will direct local authorities to accept emails in lieu of stamped salary certificates as is the policy of the commercial lenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9106/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is designed to enable credit-worthy first-time buyers to access sustainable mortgage lending to purchase new or second-hand properties in a suitable price range. The scheme is targeted at first-time buyers who have access to an adequate deposit and have the capacity to repay a mortgage, but who are unable to access a mortgage sufficient for them to purchase their first home.
As part of the application process for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme, applicants must provide an original salary certificate from their employer. I have no plans to change this requirement at present.
It is recognised that current applicants for a Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan may be experiencing difficulties arising out of COVID-19 restrictions, including, for example, accessing financial documents; property visits and valuations; solicitors visits etc. Therefore, local authorities are being asked to show flexibility when dealing with applicants at all stages of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan process from application through to approval, drawdown and (where relevant) appeal and should extend the time periods as necessary to accommodate those who may be experiencing difficulties arising out of COVID-19 restrictions.
The final decision on loan approval is a matter for the relevant local authority and its credit committee on a case-by-case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the Regulations establishing the scheme and the credit policy, that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and the lending local authorities.
