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

The Government has decided to lift the eviction ban in the public interest. Thousands of people face losing their homes when the ban is lifted on 1 April. It is understood that more than 2,000 households might have faced eviction over the winter months. On top of that, extra people have received notices to quit since November. I do not know the exact figure, but I imagine it is at least 1,000.

Emergency accommodation is at breaking point. During Leaders' Questions last week, I asked what measures the Government would put in place to help the thousands of people facing eviction. I have seen no real indication of a plan being in place for emergency accommodation. The 1,500 social housing acquisitions might happen. I do not know - it is going slowly. The option for private tenants is a joke, with many unable to buy those houses when given first refusal. Where will the emergency accommodation be for someone who comes to my office on 1 April after receiving an eviction notice? There is none in place. Where is it, where will it be and to where can we direct people?

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