Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My question is across the pillars. It relates to the #sexisnotrent question raised in the Dáil earlier today by Deputy Coppinger. Deputy Coppinger and I met with the woman in question, and I will talk about this in a moment. First I will ask the Minister four questions. Does the Minister accept the housing crisis seriously increases the vulnerability of women in such situations? What steps does the Minister propose to take to ensure that people in such a situation are safe to speak out without fear of eviction? What steps does the Minister propose to take to gauge the prevalence of this problem in society in this State? I am getting messages as I speak to indicate that our office and Deputy Coppinger's office have been contacted by many people in the last two hours who are housing assistance payment, HAP, tenants. We are now contacting these people to get exact details, but it seems that some landlords who interview people for HAP tenancies are raising the idea of sexual favours if the person gets the nod for the tenancy. Perhaps the Minister will comment on this, and if it is the case, what action might be taken. I met recently with the woman concerned in this case, with Deputy Coppinger-----