Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

There has been a concerted effort by the Government to downplay the significance of the Dáil vote on the eviction ban as meaningless. Government representatives have been trotting out the same line. They say that the result is not binding so it does not really matter. I can assure the Taoiseach that the vote is highly significant for the many thousands of families who are facing imminent eviction, it is highly significant for the children who will grow up in homelessness and it is highly significant for elderly people who will face losing the homes they have lived in for decades. This vote is also highly significant for Members of this House, in opposition and in government. Deputies will vote to either increase homelessness or to try to control it. As a Member of this House, the Taoiseach should have respect for the votes that are carried. If a majority in this House votes to extend the eviction ban, will he reverse the shameful decision to end it?

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