Francis Noel Duffy (Dublin South West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the eviction moratorium, which will provide greater security for tenants and prevent families and individuals from entering homelessness and emergency accommodation, as it did during the Covid pandemic. The winter months can represent the most difficult and stressful time of the year for many families facing significant costs and expenses as we approach the festive season. To be able to provide comfort and security to many households fearing eviction is very welcome. However, we know the measure is a temporary one to provide temporary relief. In many cases, it is simply pressing pause on the inevitable reality.

At the centre of Green Party housing policy are affordability and security. Last year, the Government introduced tenancies of indefinite duration and increased the periods for notices to quit, which will mean no tenancy will have a termination period of less than 90 days. The Land Development Agency will be constructing 30,000 cost rental units.

I believe all parties, the Department and local authorities wish to solve the homelessness crisis. Ongoing measures are being implemented and should continue until we find ourselves in a position akin to that of Finland. Finland's example is one we can follow. It is the only EU country to continuously reduce homelessness. The success of its story is not miraculous; it is down to housing first. I would therefore like to use this opportunity to ask the Minister and his Department to continue to improve and expand our Housing First policy to solve our homelessness crisis.

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