Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in favour of the legislation that is being presented by People Before Profit-Solidarity. I extend my gratitude to that party for taking the time to develop legislation in a meaningful way in an effort to address this long-running challenge.

The Opposition's concern about the cliff edge we will experience at the end of March - and that is what it is, however it is dressed up - is clearly illustrated by the fact that not only is People Before Profit-Solidarity presenting this legislation but also that yesterday's Private Members' business involved a Sinn Féin motion on extending the eviction prohibition. It is not uncommon that the Opposition is united on a particular issue but it is common that we disagree in terms of emphasis and detail, but on this occasion, we agree entirely about what needs to be done. The Opposition is speaking with one voice and I believe, as other speakers said earlier, that there are backbench Government Deputies, at the very least, and Senators, who wish to see the extension of the eviction ban.

If this legislation were to be passed, it would make a contribution to the debate although it would take time for it to go through the process and be enacted. Nobody is over-claiming in respect of the efficacy of this legislation. It will not build a single house. However, it is an effort to put a finger in the dam. We need to look at housing on an holistic basis because if we do not continue to put a finger, or indeed a number of fingers, in this particular dam and extend the ban, there will be a veritable tsunami of evictions later this year.

Many references have been made by colleagues to the Minister's appearances at photo calls, wearing hard hats and so on, relating to various announcements. He will be in Drogheda tomorrow, and he will be very welcome. The Taoiseach will participate in the formal launch of the northern port access route scheme. I remind the Minister that his Department on successive occasions failed to fund that scheme. It is being funded by developers, with the support of Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, which is, ironically, backed by the taxpayer. One way or another, the taxpayer is getting to-----

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