Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Ending the eviction ban is simply reprehensible. To end it now, during this time of crisis, while announcing schemes which the Government has no details of or dates for the necessary legislation is an abdication of duty and people will suffer. Renters are bearing the brunt of one of the harshest cost-of-living crises in the history of the State and the Government is going to offer them first refusal on a property which it knows quite well they will not be able to afford. If the Tánaiste's phone rings in four weeks and a family shows up at his clinic, saying they are about to be made homeless, will he actually look that family in the eye? Does he expect me to look that family in the eye and tell them not to worry because they have first refusal to buy? That is a joke. It is cruel and it will cause harm. Until there is legislation and a date for the scheme that has been proposed, I ask the Tánaiste to continue with the eviction ban, because lifting it will hurt people.

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