Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity, along with fellow Opposition Deputies, to introduce this Bill on behalf of the Simon Communities of Ireland. I am supporting the Bill because it is a progressive step for people facing increasing notices to quit and will protect them from eviction and homelessness. In October, 8,830 women, men and children were in emergency accommodation, an increase of 4.2% on September. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (Extension of Notice Periods) Bill 2021 will allow local authorities to determine whether a person or family is at risk of homelessness and this will then trigger an extension in the notice period of that person's or family's tenancy in order to avoid entry into emergency accommodation at the end of the four-week period. It also proposes to change the tenancy law so that a person or family at risk of homelessness is provided with a three-month extension to their notice period. I believe every party can support the Bill and I look forward to next week's debate on 14 December when the Government parties will have an opportunity to support it.

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