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Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

Direct provision refugees in Limerick

Summary

Deputy Coppinger asked what legislation would protect workers and refugees in Limerick after evictions linked to a vulture fund situation. The Minister replied that the housing strategy already contained the relevant legislative measures, but Deputy Coppinger said that did not address the specific case.

What laws will the Government introduce to deal with what happened yesterday in Limerick where 12 workers face losing their jobs and 64 men who are living in a hotel as refugees have been evicted from their homes of long standing? On page 29 of A Programme for a Partnership Government, there is a commitment to provide greater protection for mortgage holders and tenants whose loans fall into the hands of vulture funds. Here we have the most vulnerable tenants that one could possibly think about in this country: people in direct provision. They were being given refuge by one arm of the State and their loans were sold by another arm of the State, NAMA. It is a quite incredible situation. What is the Government going to do about these vulture funds getting their hands on, in this case, a State service for the most vulnerable? What happens to workers in these situations? The Government talks about protecting businesses but says nothing about workers whose loans fall into the lap of vulture funds as well. There are 12 people unemployed. Is this the great service the Minister, Deputy Noonan, was talking about the vultures doing?

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The housing strategy includes a range of measures to increase housing supply. That includes supply to people who are moving from direct provision. That is an element of the housing strategy-----

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The legislative elements have already been outlined in that strategy. We have had numerous debates on this-----

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I am not talking about the housing strategy.

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The Minister has just replied to Deputy Mary Lou McDonald on the amendments in respect of the transfer of loans to other funds. I believe the Minister has just responded to that. The legislation is in the housing strategy. If there are new legislative initiatives, the Minister will obviously bring them forward.

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With respect, that is not the question the Minister was asked.

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Pat the Cope Gallagher An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

I cannot allow Deputy Coppinger to respond.

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He was asked about a specific situation in Limerick-----

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Pat the Cope Gallagher An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

I have a responsibility to look after the interests of all.

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-----involving a vulture fund. It is not going to be dealt with by that legislation.

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I was asked what legislation is being brought forward. I have indicated the legislation that is being brought forward.

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Nine families can be evicted under that legislation.

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