Rebecca Moynihan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I raise again the issue of the eviction ban, which was extended this week although only until next Friday, 31 July. Younger people and people working in the sectors most affected by Covid-related job losses will next week be thrown back into the insecurity of living in the private rented sector, where tenants' rights are poor. The last few months have provided security to renters. While the rest of the country is urged to be vigilant, not to travel, to maintain social distance and to wear masks, the Attorney General's advice to the Minister is that the rights of property owners are more important than keeping people in their own homes during a pandemic. Before the Covid pandemic, most people entering homelessness came from the private rented sector. This crisis continues. The common good, both legal and political, should prioritise keeping people in their own homes rather than the rights of landlords and private property owners. Renters are losing out in the legal wrangling, which has not been tested in the courts. This is a political decision hidden behind legal advice.

Next week, Members are expected to pass legislation in this House, which we are told will protect the rights of renters yet we have not seen any heads of the Bill, only an order. I want to invite the Minister to the House to discuss this matter. The ban will run out on 31 July, the day on which the House is due to rise.

On a second issue, the Minister needs to address the issue of rent relief and a mechanism for people who, through no fault of their own, have gone into arrears during the course of the pandemic. While the pandemic unemployment payment is welcome, it does not nearly cover the current high rents, particularly in Dublin where the average rent is more than €2,000 a month. The Minister should address the House immediately with regard to the issues affecting renters and should extend the eviction ban and rent freeze beyond 31 August, at least until the pandemic has passed.