Dáil debates

Thursday, 25 March 2021

Residential Tenancies Bill 2021: Second Stage (Resumed)

 

1:30 pm

Photo of Jackie CahillJackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I very much welcome the Bill introduced by the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, to extend the period of emergency rental protections to those who have been impacted by Covid-19 and to strengthen the supports provided to tenants at risk of eviction.

The ongoing restrictions have been very difficult on a lot of people. Many people are out of work and fear that they may have no job to return to. The economic and financial pressures on ordinary people are clear at the moment and the Government is acting to alleviate this as much as possible.

I welcome the Bill today that will extend the tenancy protections for a further three months. While those in the Opposition may choose to criticise the Government on housing because it fits their agenda to do so, this is the fourth Bill brought forward by the Government since it took office last summer to safeguard tenants during the pandemic. The Bill will ensure that those who are under financial pressure at the moment as a result of Covid are not at risk of becoming homeless or are not penalised for being temporarily out of work through no fault of their own. I commend the Minister on balancing these genuine tenant-centred protections and looking after the ordinary person in the process.

I also welcome the clarification provided by Bill for the tenant who simply fails to comply with his or her obligation to pay rent. This needs to be treated in a similar manner to tenants who engage in anti-social behaviour. It is right and proper that a distinction is being drawn between those who genuinely need understanding and assistance as a result of economic pressure and those who blackguard the system and refuse to make rents while also engaging in antisocial behaviour. I welcome that the genuine individual who is under pressure at the moment is being protected, as well as the right of the landlord to have the rent paid and the property protected from those who take advantage of the system for their own gain. I very much welcome the Bill from the Minister, Deputy O'Brien.

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