Menu
20/06/2016
Govt Criticised Over Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme Wind Down
The Government has been criticised for continuing to wind down the Mortgage Interest Supplement scheme, by Fianna Fáil TD for Laois, Sean Fleming.
"This scheme plays a vital role in helping families meet their mortgage repayments following a serious change in their financial situation. It ensures that they can continue to keep up with their repayments and provides a safety net against becoming homeless," Deputy Fleming said.
"Former Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton made a cruel decision to close the scheme to new entrants in 2014. Since then the Government has attempted to force people off the scheme at every opportunity. In 2011 there were 18,988 families getting support under the scheme. This figure has fallen to a paltry 2,717 in 2016.
"I've received worrying information from Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar indicating that he wants to discontinue the scheme in January 2018 at the very latest. There can be no doubt about it, this will increase the risk of people becoming homeless. Fine Gael talk about wanting to address the homeless crisis, but when push comes to shove they implement policies which do the exact opposite."
Deputy Fleming said that is was "particularly worrying" that Minister Varadkar plans to appoint 'Court Mentors' to people who are going through repossession proceedings.
"These mentors will be of little comfort to those who are on the verge of losing their homes," Deputy Fleming concluded.
(MH/LM)
"This scheme plays a vital role in helping families meet their mortgage repayments following a serious change in their financial situation. It ensures that they can continue to keep up with their repayments and provides a safety net against becoming homeless," Deputy Fleming said.
"Former Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton made a cruel decision to close the scheme to new entrants in 2014. Since then the Government has attempted to force people off the scheme at every opportunity. In 2011 there were 18,988 families getting support under the scheme. This figure has fallen to a paltry 2,717 in 2016.
"I've received worrying information from Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar indicating that he wants to discontinue the scheme in January 2018 at the very latest. There can be no doubt about it, this will increase the risk of people becoming homeless. Fine Gael talk about wanting to address the homeless crisis, but when push comes to shove they implement policies which do the exact opposite."
Deputy Fleming said that is was "particularly worrying" that Minister Varadkar plans to appoint 'Court Mentors' to people who are going through repossession proceedings.
"These mentors will be of little comfort to those who are on the verge of losing their homes," Deputy Fleming concluded.
(MH/LM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 July 2012
Call For Nursing Vacancies To Be Filled
The HSE should immediately fill the 75 nursing vacancies in the hospitals in Portlaoise, Mullingar and Tullamore, according to Fianna Fail. Deputy Fleming said the HSE is losing money hand over fist by paying for all this work to be carried out on an agency basis.
Call For Nursing Vacancies To Be Filled
The HSE should immediately fill the 75 nursing vacancies in the hospitals in Portlaoise, Mullingar and Tullamore, according to Fianna Fail. Deputy Fleming said the HSE is losing money hand over fist by paying for all this work to be carried out on an agency basis.
13 March 2024
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
15 October 2015
Many 'Left Out In The Cold' By Budget 2016 - FF
Many people will be "left out in the cold" by the Government's Budget 2016, Fianna Fáil TD for Laois, Sean Fleming, has said. "The budget unveiled by the Government was uninspiring and failed to address some of the key issues that are impacting on our society today," Deputy Fleming said.
Many 'Left Out In The Cold' By Budget 2016 - FF
Many people will be "left out in the cold" by the Government's Budget 2016, Fianna Fáil TD for Laois, Sean Fleming, has said. "The budget unveiled by the Government was uninspiring and failed to address some of the key issues that are impacting on our society today," Deputy Fleming said.
14 August 2013
FOI Legislation Has Severe Limits - FF
Minister Howlin's recently published Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation has severe limits according to Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform Seán Fleming TD. Deputy Fleming commented: "The Minister is doing a good PR job selling this legislation but on close examination, there is clearly a lack of substance to it.
FOI Legislation Has Severe Limits - FF
Minister Howlin's recently published Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation has severe limits according to Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform Seán Fleming TD. Deputy Fleming commented: "The Minister is doing a good PR job selling this legislation but on close examination, there is clearly a lack of substance to it.
09 May 2013
Over 2,200 Students Are Still Waiting For Grants
As the end of the college term approaches, there are still more than 2,200 students waiting for their grants from SUSI, Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming has revealed. According to new figures received by Deputy Fleming through a Parliamentary Question, 328 grants still have not been processed.
Over 2,200 Students Are Still Waiting For Grants
As the end of the college term approaches, there are still more than 2,200 students waiting for their grants from SUSI, Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming has revealed. According to new figures received by Deputy Fleming through a Parliamentary Question, 328 grants still have not been processed.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Light winds. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
