Kenny defends mortgage arrears plan

The Taoiseach has defended plans to phase out existing support for householders struggling to pay their mortgage.

Enda Kenny came under fire for scaling back the mortgage interest supplement scheme, which eases the repayment burden for 19,000 homeowners.

“It is the banks who get this money. This year it will cost about €50m,” said Mr Kenny.

“This recommendation was made as part of the Keane Report,” the Taoiseach said. “It is an incentive for banks to sit down with their borrowers to work out solutions with people getting into mortgage arrears.”

Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin said withdrawing Government support in the form of the mortgage interest supplement (MIS) and leaving it to bankers to support individuals was a disgrace.

“A very practical scheme has been cut and has been phased out,” said Mr Martin. “Will you repeal that statutory instrument? It’s the honourable thing to do, it’s the right thing to do by low-income families.”

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton last week signed an order restricting access to the mortgage interest supplement, which has helped thousands of low income families meet their monthly repayments.

The scheme helps householders with the interest payments on their mortgages, not the actual loan itself.

Mr Kenny confirmed the latest development will see support cut to only those who are in arrears with banks.

Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) said the changes to the MIS would actually mean that only people who are in arrears with their mortgage provider and who can prove that they have satisfactorily conducted alternative arrangements with their mortgage provider for 12 months or more can be eligible for MIS.

Meanwhile, the Personal Insolvency Bill, which will be published this Friday, provides for alternative support to people struggling with mortgage repayments.

The legislation requires that banks negotiate manageable repayment plans with borrowers before ordering to have a property repossessed.

The idea is to help people settle their debts outside the courts and prevent further repossessions.

Individuals who have been declared bankrupt are to be discharged after three years as opposed to the existing 12-year period, under the new legislation.

Mr Kenny described the Bill as a vital step in ensuring future financial security for Irish people.