Is tax relief mortgage interest portable?

As I took out a mortgage in 2012 I get TRS @ 15% (capped), as a non-FTB, until end 2017. Am I right in thinking that if I want to change lender I will lose this TRS, that it isn't portable? If so, why would the Government impose an anti-competitive restriction?

No. Why would you think you would lose it?

Because mortgages taken out after 31 December 2012 do not qualify for mortgage interest relief. Therefore, should I change lender, I would be clearing my 2012 mortgage and starting a 2013 mortgage which I don't believe would be eligible for MIR.

I think that you are a little confused. You are merely changing lender and not clearing your mortgage. This would not be regarded as a clearance of your mortgage.

From http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/leaflets/tax-relief-source-mortgage-interest-relief.html#section2

"Switching lender or mortgage type to achieve a better interest rate is not the same as taking out a new loan."

What is relevant for the purposes of the relief is when the money was drawn down and used to purchase, repair, develop or improve your sole or main residence, situated in the State.

Thanks for all replies . . now the simple task of getting a switcher mortgage