The programme for Government commits to the extension of the moratorium on the termination of tenancies in line with public health advice. As the Taoiseach knows, the current emergency ban on notices to quit, evictions and rent increases expires in 11 days. There are thousands, if not tens of thousands, of renters who are very uncertain about what their future holds. Does the Government intend to extend the ban on notices to quit, evictions and rent increases until the end of the year? Moreover, does the Government intend to put a mechanism in place to deal with the very substantial rent arrears debt burden that will accrue as a result of renters losing their jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic?

The Government will be considering this in the coming week, in advance of the date the Deputy has identified. It must also take legal advice on the issue of notices to quit. I accept that people need certainty on that. Research on the rent arrears issue will inform our assistance to people in difficulty in that situation.