Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We were always clear when this was introduced that it was a temporary measure. If one reads the regulation, it says winter period. It was very clear that this was to be a temporary measure for the winter period and would end on a phased basis from 1 March. It gave tenants facing or receiving notices of termination a few more months to find alternative accommodation and gave the Government time to act, and we did act. Over 6,000 new social homes have been built. The tenant in situscheme has been scaled up and a very clear direction has been given by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to the local authorities that we want that scheme used. It also allowed us to provide additional emergency accommodation in case it is needed.

There is one thing I think we all agree on. We all seem to agree that an eviction moratorium has to end at some point. No matter when it is ended, it will be difficult and problems will arise. The view from the Sinn Féin Party is that we should have a time-based extension until January and let us just hope it is better then.

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