Noonan defends interest relief move

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has stood over a Revenue move to squeeze families already hit by mortgage arrears.

Mr Noonan said a clampdown stopping mortgage interest relief for struggling home-owners who have fallen behind with payments was needed to “protect the exchequer”.

However, Mr Noonan stressed that withdrawal of relief, which can amount to up to €4,000 for a couple, must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.