Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We have certainly been pushing for a wider response. I ask that the Government take up the renters' rights Bill we put forward this time last year because it addresses broader issues around security of tenure and the quality of living conditions for renters. We were glad the Government did not oppose the Bill at that time but we would like to see further progress made on it.

It is useful and welcome to hear the Government is also considering the introduction of a winter eviction ban. It is an urgently needed measure. We see it done in other countries. The Tánaiste mentioned other countries but in France there is a winter truce that begins on 1 November and remains in place until 1 April. During that period landlords have no right to evict tenants, even with a court order, and gas and electricity supplies cannot be cut off. We can learn from other countries where we can see radical measures have been taken to give tenants security, especially through the tough winter months ahead. How bad do we need to see things getting before we see emergency measures adopted here? Again, I reference the proportionate response needed now with the housing emergency and indeed the housing disaster.

See this speech in context