Heather Humphreys

Since its establishment in 2016, the Abhaile scheme has supported over 19,300 households at risk of losing their homes. Of those, 80 per cent are either on the road to getting a solution or already have one in place.

The government’s decision to extend Abhaile also includes extending the work of the MABS dedicated mortgage arrears advisors.

The Abhaile scheme is funded and managed jointly by the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Justice.

Funding by the two departments has already been included in their budget estimates for 2023 and amounts to approximately €8.4 million, which includes €2.5 million apportioned to the dedicated mortgage arrears MABS service.

Heather Humphreys, the minister for social protection and minister for justice, said: “Abhaile is often the first point of contact for distressed mortgage holders, and it provides successful solutions for people.

“I know that the decision to extend Abhaile until the end of 2023 will enable it to reach those who have not yet engaged and those who may be at risk.”

A strategic review of Abhaile is separately being carried out by independent consultants. This review is examining the overall operation and objectives of the Abhaile service and the effectiveness of the current structures of Abhaile.

The government said the review is expected to be completed “in the coming months” and its findings will be taken into account when ministers consider the longer-term future of the scheme.