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

I welcome the Bill coming before the Dáil once again. However, it is a pity that we must hold the debate again because the Bill was defeated last year as a result of Fianna Fáil abstaining and the casting vote of the Ceann Comhairle going with the Government. We have a chance to correct that wrong. Those who voted against the Bill or who abstained last year have had 12 months to reflect on the continuing crisis that is homelessness and on the stress caused to those in insecure private tenancies. I hope they will now be prepared to support the Bill. If it had been passed in 2017, many families who find themselves in the position of being homeless would still have a roof over their heads.

People and families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads in a housing market that is not fit for purpose. People are being forced into a private rented sector that denies them basic protections. The Bill will give tenants greater protection and greater security of tenure by preventing landlords from evicting tenants on grounds of selling properties. In addition, tenants will be compensated if a landlord moves a family friend or member into the house or flat. Tenants will also be unable to be evicted on the grounds of renovating a building.

These are sensible and reasonable protections. The defeat of the Bill last year meant that an opportunity was missed. A year later, and with more people and families becoming homeless or at risk of doing so, I hope the House will not make the same mistake. I urge the Minister and Fianna Fáil to allow the Bill proceed to Committee Stage, at which point, I am sure, any changes they see fit can be considered. It is a reasonable request.

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