Minister Murphy must not leave loan applicants in limbo

Labour TD for Fingal, Brendan Ryan, has called on the Minister for Housing to secure further funding for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme as soon as possible.

Deputy Ryan said:

“Following the Minister’s admission that the first round of funding for the Home Loan Scheme has run out, the Minister cannot allow applicants to sit in limbo for much longer. There are valid concerns from potential applicants now that they may start the process but it will be stalled due to lack of funding.

“Families trying to access these loans will typically be paying high rents for insecure accommodation and are not eligible for social housing. These loans are often their last chance to permanent, secure home for their families.

“The issuing of any directive from the Department of Housing telling councils to stop considering applications sets off alarm bells for those who are considering the Loan Scheme as their last resort or who have already started their applications.

“While the Minister has clarified that the Home Loan Scheme will continue he has yet to secure the future funding. The notion that funding for such a necessary scheme would even be allowed lapse, and result in applicants being left in limbo, during what is such a stressful period is alarming.”