Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Like many people in Dublin West I was absolutely shocked at the shameful decision to end the eviction ban. The Taoiseach, the Minister of State, Deputy Jack Chambers, and the Minister, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, in my constituency, all sit around the Cabinet table and are part of the first Government to make a conscious decision to increase the numbers of individuals and families into homelessness. What is more shocking to the people I have spoken to about housing over the past week is the lack of empathy from the Government for those people who will be thrown out of the homes where they live at the moment. People are shocked at the lack of planning despite months and months of the eviction ban being in place, and at the Government's full intention to end this ban at the end of the month. Time and again these people have asked me where are they to go.

I spoke to a woman last week who went to Fingal County Council offices and she was told to go down to the Garda station. Another mother I spoke to yesterday is absolutely distraught at the prospect of going into homelessness in the coming weeks. She said that she is planning to sleep in her car so she can remain close to her home area with its schools and community supports for their three children, and especially for their child with autism. I ask the Minister where are they to go. A father is now temporarily living on a boat and cannot have his children due to the size of the accommodation he is living in. Where is he to go?

We can list off all the horror stories being told to us by citizens in our offices every day. These are real stories and real people who are terrified of what lies ahead. There are thousands more people who dread waking up to that letter, that notice to quit from their landlord. The impact of this on mental health and physical health is beyond horrendous.

The Government has put in place hundreds of temporary rapid-build units throughout the State. There is nothing to stop the Government doing likewise for those people facing eviction in the coming months, which is due to the Government's decision to end the eviction ban. I put it to the Minister that the choices are clear. Reinstate the ban. Put a strategy in place for temporary accommodation or we will see people on the streets, in cars, in tents and in Garda stations. That is not acceptable.

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