The Government has launched a new nationwide mortgage arrears resolution service.

The scheme – called ‘Abhaile’ – offers free financial and legal advice, with a priority on those most at risk of losing their home.

It is run jointly by the Money Advice and Budgeting Service and the Legal Aid Board.

The Tánaiste and the Social Protection Minister have launched the service, which will see eligible clients given vouchers to obtain expert advice on resolving their debt issues.

It is clear there is a demand for the service as almost 29,000 people sought free legal advice last year.

Housing, families, work and money mostly made people seek help.

A guide from the Free Legal Advice Centre was also downloaded over 10,000 times.

Lorcan O’Connor, Director of the ISI stated “It is important for people to recognise that there are solutions and supports available.

” In launching our information campaign today we hope that message will resonate clearly with those that need our help.

“This campaign, combined with the supports available under ‘Abhaile’ should ensure that many more people come forward for help over the coming months.”

The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, said: “The Government is committed to ensuring that homeowners who are struggling with mortgage arrears, and are at risk of losing their homes, can access independent expert advice and help on getting solutions into place.

“Abhaile is a new nationwide service to help these homeowners. Today’s launch puts in place two very significant components of this service – an important new Scheme for getting free, independent, expert advice and help, and a major new information and communication campaign to reach those at risk of losing their homes due to mortgage arrears.”

Minister Varadkar said: “The Government wants to ensure that people who cannot pay their own mortgage can stay in their homes or move to new accommodation that they can afford. We do not want to see anyone foreclosed into homelessness.

“Mortgage arrears of more than 90 days are falling rapidly and are down to 7.8% from a peak of 12.9%. But they are still too high.

“For this reason, we are going to double down on our efforts to support more people to restructure or resolve their mortgage debt which lifts both the burden of debt from individuals and families, as well as the enormous emotional burden that comes with the fear of losing one’s home.”