Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This Topical Issue relates to the circular titled Arrangements for Social Housing Acquisitions in 2023. As we all know, this circular was issued to local authorities regarding tenantsin situ. There is great concern and frustration among many local authorities that my colleagues and I, including Deputy Ó Broin, have spoken to. The recent decision to end the moratorium on evictions will lead to more homelessness and that is an undisputed fact. Many of those who have received and face a notice to quit have nowhere to go. No one in the Government will be able to answer the following question. Using my constituency of Limerick as an example, the cost of rental properties is far too high, having increased by 18% in the past year, and there are fewer rentals properties available. A search of daft.ietoday showed there are seven properties available in Limerick and its suburbs, including the city centre, Annacotty, Castletroy and Raheen. There is nothing available. In quarter 3 of 2021, 211 notices to quit were issued in Limerick. They are due to become active with the ending of the eviction ban. There is nowhere for these people to go. Despite consistently asking the question, we are yet to hear where these people are supposed to go.

Since the Government announced the ending of the eviction ban, my office has been inundated with calls from very concerned renters. Being served with a notice to quit is very stressful for most renters but trying to source accommodation is equally challenging. Properties that are available are often priced way too high for the average renting family. The Government knows how much stress its decision has caused to families up and down the State. The programme for Government suggests that everybody should have access to good quality housing to purchase or rent at an affordable price, yet the Government's actions make a mockery of this fine declaration. I again ask where these people are supposed to go.

Limerick City and County Council has repeatedly confirmed to me that there is zero capacity for homeless accommodation in Limerick, yet we anticipate more homelessness. It is incredible that the Government has continued with this decision. Our council in Limerick has plans for five social houses in Castleconnell, which are under construction, and Castle Rock. However, 453 individuals and families are waiting in the Castleconnell area. Realising the end of the eviction ban is the wrong move. Being too steadfast to consider a change in tack, the Government is now scrambling to put in place other options that do not seem to be deliverable.

The recent circular titled Arrangements for Social Housing Acquisitions in 2023 is full of ambition but short on detail. It acknowledges that councils can acquire up to 1,500 social homes and has targets for individual councils, with 75 houses to be acquired in Limerick. This needs to be backed up with supports for local council; otherwise it will be another failure. My local council in Limerick has indicated that it has received a huge number of inquiries from landlords about selling their property to the council. According to the council, there were 186 notices to quit under review by the council for acquisitions as of today. What are the guidelines and how does the council decide who should be made homeless and on behalf of whom should it purchase a property because this is not clear in the directive?

Among the issues with the circular, which I hope the Minister of State will address, I have the following questions in relation to the scheme. If councils have identified suitable properties, can they approach landlords regarding a purchase prior to a formal notice to quit being issued given that in many cases, we know a notice to quit is coming? Will he clarify what funding will be available to local authorities for refurbishment? Local councils cannot, and nor should they be expected to, inspect 100% of rental accommodation scheme, RAS, properties in a year. Many of these properties will be in a poor state of repair. Will the allocation of a refurbishment grant to tenants in situproperties be examined to allow for necessary works to take place? The failure to provide additional funding and staff would mean the scheme will not work. If existing staff have to administer this, other projects will be affected. What provision is being made to get staff and will funding be provided for same?

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