Last Thursday, I asked the Tánaiste about the illegal eviction that had taken place on Harrington Street in Dublin where unlicensed private security threatened tenants and others with violence and the fact that the gardaí refused even to take statements saying that it was a civil matter. The Tánaiste responded to say that the Minister had written to the Residential Tenancies Board, RTB, to ensure this matter was investigated thoroughly as early as possible. However, the RTB has previously stated in a report to the Department in November of last year saying it does not have the power to investigate illegal evictions. What sort of investigation is being called for? The same report called on the Government to consider giving An Garda Síochána powers to arrest without a warrant, anyone illegally evicting a tenant. In other words, An Garda Síochána would intervene to prevent illegal evictions. Is that something the Government has agreed to do?

I thank the Deputy. I was not here when he raised the issue with the Tánaiste last week. However, the Tánaiste did give a commitment that the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, would follow up with the RTB. I give a commitment to engage with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and his officials to see what exactly is the up-to-date position. The Deputy raised a number of key points. We want to keep people in their homes, whether they own their homes or are renting - the same principles apply. We will come back to the Deputy very shortly with an update.