Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is precise the problem we are facing. Many banks are seeking repossessions, with landlords beginning to hand over property. There is no way I can see where we can fulfil an obligation to get a new place for anybody under RAS very quickly, as there will be a lack of properties. Some figures have been released to Dublin city councillors indicating that the RAS cost €1 million more than is given to fund the scheme. Will the Minister of State confirm if that is true and is that the case in other local authorities? What happens if RAS properties cannot be found? Can banks, like Ulster Bank, be requested to keep tenants in situ, and can a code of conduct be put in place?

I spoke to people in Ulster Bank about two very serious cases I know about, with one involving a sheriff. A landlord has been served notice to vacate the premises, with Ulster Bank in turn informing the tenants and giving them the obligatory 130 days to vacate the premises. The problem is where will the people go. They have paid rent but they will now have to return to the local authority. Ulster Bank's argument is that a sheriff's notice has been served and vacant possession is required. The bank will not even speak to the tenants, despite every penny in rent having been paid. With the second case a landlord wants a family to vacate premises with 28 days notice. Ulster Bank has indicated that if a receiver is appointed, it can negotiate with the tenants. The bank cannot negotiate where the sheriff has been appointed.

It is outrageous and we should be trying to keep people in situ when they pay their way. The banks should talk to people and try to find every mechanism to deal with the issues. Families use local amenities, including schools, and we should try to keep people in their local areas. It is a major problem coming down the road.

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