Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a problem with this proposed eviction ban, as I did with individuals last week. I see that it is more hurtful to tenants who hope to be housed. I regret that Deputy Daly, from Kerry, chose to single me out for not voting for Sinn Féin's motion last week. This measure will only hurt the rental sector beyond repair. We have to be very careful not to do any further harm because a lot of harm has been done already. I am not programmed to come in here and do what someone else tells me. I am programmed by the people of Kerry who elected me, and those who have houses and are getting out of the market – full stop.

From my door to a point 12 miles down the road, there are 45 houses vacant. Why did someone not do something or report on them, or why was someone not sent to ask the people concerned to enter the market? People are afraid they will not get their houses back, given all this talk in here. It is just one step behind a full CPO job. I was never for CPOs and am not now but I can see this is where we are going. They are doing it in the UK and Italy but I am not for that and never will be. We have to work by consensus. A person who owns a house has the right to do whatever he or she wants with it whenever he or she wants. I have to stand for fair play.

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