Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Simon Communities of Ireland for all their good work on this legislation. I particularly thank the North West Simon Community for all its help to me in providing good information and background. This is a straightforward, practical proposal which does exactly what it says on the tin. Where the housing authority certifies that a tenant, who is under threat to quit, is at risk of homelessness, a three-month extension will be granted. There will be protections for landlords. This is not simply postponing the inevitable. The three months will then be used to help secure accommodation so that families do not become homeless because of a lack of early intervention. Homelessness is not just an urban problem. While it may be more visible in urban areas, in 2020 the North West Simon Community provided accommodation and-or support to 256 adults and 243 children in the north west. It is a national issue that needs a national response and this Bill provides it.

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