I want to raise an issue regarding Rebuilding Ireland home loans. We all know that the product offered through our local authorities is fantastic for individuals and families who cannot get mortgage approval from the pillar banks. In fact, these home loans will probably become even more important next year with the roll-out of affordable purchase units. There seems to be a black-and-white rule to the effect that where an individual is in receipt of the EWSS, the banks will not entertain a Rebuilding Ireland application.

In fairness to the pillar banks, and I have dealt with a number of cases, they accept mortgage applications from individuals in receipt of the EWSS. It is a State support. It is not the choice of the employee as to whether he or she is in receipt of EWSS. It is there to support the employer. It seems one arm of the State supports employment with the EWSS but another arm that deals with housing states that because people are in receipt of the support, it is not able to help them with their mortgages. That does not make any sense. I know of a couple trying to get a mortgage who were refused in two instances by the banks. They applied for a Rebuilding Ireland home loan. They meet all of the criteria. They satisfy the income limit requirements and they have their savings and their deposit. Because one of them is now in receipt of the EWSS, however, they are being refused when they had previously been approved. This is despite the fact he is a hotel employee who has since been promoted. He is on a higher salary and working more hours. There is more income in the family unit now than there was prior to Covid when they were going to be approved for the loan. Now, they are being refused. There needs to be a serious rethink in this respect. The Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is engaging with the Housing Agency on this, but it has to happen quicker.