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Campaign launched to build on success of Abhaile mortgage arrears service

20170227Abhail Mortgage

Pictured are Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald and Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar at CIB’s head office in Dublin

A new national information campaign to reach out to homeowners in mortgage arrears has gone live, designed to further raise awareness of the highly effective Abhaile advice service.

To date some 4,800 individual vouchers have been provided under Abhaile to provide free financial or legal advice and assistance on home mortgage arrears. This new information campaign wants to ensure that everyone across Ireland who needs assistance and may be at risk of losing their home is aware that free advice and support is available through MABS.

The information campaign was launched today in the Citizens Information Board by the Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar.

Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald said:

Today’s national information campaign is specially designed to reach those homeowners in serious mortgage arrears who are struggling alone, and to ensure that they know what help is available and are encouraged to avail of it. I would urge anyone worried about mortgage arrears on their home to contact MABS who are the Government gateway to the range of supports available.

Minister Varadkar said:

There are few things in life more distressing than the possibility of seeing your family home repossessed. This is clearly borne out in the survey which reveals the impact it can have on the lives of individuals and their families. But too many of these same families are not aware of the expert financial and legal advice available through Abhaile. The aim of this campaign is to make sure that this valuable service is promoted to everyone who can benefit. I want people to know that the Government is here to help.

Over 4,800 vouchers have already been provided under Abhaile for free financial or legal advice and assistance on home mortgage arrears, since 22 July 2016. Free help and support is also provided to unrepresented borrowers at all Circuit Court repossession court lists, under innovative Abhaile court mentor and duty solicitor services.