Eviction ban Bill protections
Deputy Boyd Barrett warned that the eviction ban Bill would leave many people with pre-existing termination dates unprotected. The Minister said the housing Minister must answer on the Bill itself and that it can be amended when it comes before the House.
Earlier this week, I warned that the Government's eviction ban Bill might not protect people with notice-to-quit termination dates before its passage. Those concerns were dismissed. The Bill was published earlier and, sadly, it is very clear I was right. The Bill states explicitly that only those with termination dates that fall after its passage will receive protection against eviction. That means that anybody who is overholding on a termination notice, as large numbers of those facing eviction are, through no fault of their own and purely because they have nowhere to go, still face the threat of eviction. Tenants often overhold on notices to quit based on the informal advice of councils. I am dealing with a family in Blackrock, a working couple with children who are terrified. They are not covered by the Bill. Will the Minister offer clarification, amend the Bill and accept our amendments to it? If not, he will have misled the public and the Dáil.
Comment on this
I have not spoken publicly in the Dáil on this. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will have to answer the Deputy's questions when the Bill comes before the House. We have mechanisms here whereby it can be amended or adjusted, and the arguments will have to be made then. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will, for whatever reasons, legal or otherwise-----
Comment on this
I suggest the Minister pass them back now.
Comment on this
I will certainly pass on the Deputy's comments, but we should debate this in the House when it comes before the House.