Taoiseach warns of risks involved with introducing mortgage relief in Budget

Leo Varadkar was also asked about the possibility of a windfall tax on banks in the light of their growing profits

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he wanted to be careful not to raise expectations as regards mortgage interest relief. File picture: David Keane

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said on Thursday he has not ruled out mortgage relief in the forthcoming Budget, but stressed there would be risks involved in such a measure.

During a Q&A with reporters in Co. Mayo, Mr Varadkar outlined that any mortgage tax relief would be targeted at those in financial distress, people who are struggling to pay their mortgage and might potentially lose their home.