Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I welcome that the Minister is indicating that this work is being done. I take it from the answer that if we do go up to level 5 measures will be introduced. It is important that that work is finalised as quickly as possible in case we find ourselves in that situation and that it will be communicated to people, preferably in advance. That would be the way to do it.

Work has been done by a team of epidemiologists at Harvard University, the University of Illinois and the University of Pennsylvania which has shown that the rate of evictions can substantially increase the number of cases and the spread of Covid-19. Has the Minister or his Department examined that modelling? Has any modelling been done in Ireland on the impact of evictions on the spread of Covid-19? If not, will he or his Department undertake such modelling on the public health repercussions of evictions?

See this speech in context