It is estimated that about 325,000 people will lose their tax relief on mortgage payments in the next two years as a result of the phasing out of such scheme by 2017.
Figures released show that 323,000 people benefited from tax relief in the year to date. This compares unfavorably with 349,000 in 2010.
The average benefit is about €850 per year, and the cost of such scheme is around €275m.