Pringle pushes Government to support mica-affected homeowners in dealings with banks

Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, has pressed Government to support mica-affected homeowners who are being put under pressure by banks in relation to mortgages.

Addressing the Minister for Housing in the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said: “Over the last number of years, in dealing with the mica-affected homeowners, both the minister for finance, as he was then, now minister for public expenditure and reform, and the minister for housing have continuously said that they were going to talk to the banks about their treatment of the affected homeowners in order to get support for them and the difficulty that they are in.

“Many mica-affected homeowners are being put under severe pressure by banks in relation to worthless homes that they have mortgages in relation to,” he said.

The deputy raised the issue during questions on promised legislation.

Deputy Pringle said: “To date, mica-affected homeowners haven’t heard any response in relation to those contacts and what progress was made.” He called on the minister for an update.

In his response, Minister Darragh O’Brien said they will continue to address the issue with banks and address it directly with residents. He said he would keep Deputy Pringle informed of engagement with regard to the banks on the mortgage issues.