There has been a concerted effort by the Government to downplay the significance of the Dáil vote on the eviction ban as meaningless. Government representatives have been trotting out the same line. They say that the result is not binding so it does not really matter. I can assure the Taoiseach that the vote is highly significant for the many thousands of families who are facing imminent eviction, it is highly significant for the children who will grow up in homelessness and it is highly significant for elderly people who will face losing the homes they have lived in for decades. This vote is also highly significant for Members of this House, in opposition and in government. Deputies will vote either to increase homelessness or to try to control it. As a Member of this House, the Taoiseach should have respect for the votes that are carried. If a majority in this House votes to extend the eviction ban, will he reverse the shameful decision to end it?

I have answered that question on several occasions now and have done so very clearly. I do not know about individual responses from individual politicians, strategies, public relations or that type of thing but I do know the facts regarding the Standing Orders of this House and the Constitution, and Dáil motions are not binding. That is a simple fact.

So the Taoiseach will not extend it if everyone votes-----

I have been very clear. Excuse me now, but if I was not clear, I do apologise. On every occasion that I have been asked this question I have been clear in answering it. It was a temporary winter eviction ban, it will end on a phased basis from 31 March, and Dáil motions are not binding.