Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to record my sadness at hearing of the passing of former Deputy Derek Keating. I did not realise he had died. I share our sympathies.

I want to return to the story of Micheline Walsh, a 78-year-old woman. The Taoiseach described the situation in which she and her husband find themselves as very sad. It is indeed very sad. The situation is also unacceptable and, in fact, it is outrageous that Micheline and her husband, people who have worked hard all of their lives, and 175 others over the age of 65 are living in emergency accommodation. People who should be enjoying their golden years are facing the prospect or the reality of homelessness. The Taoiseach disregarded a call in respect of the eviction ban and said that it would not have made any difference and would have stored up more problems but in the case of Micheline and her husband, the reality is that in a short couple of weeks, they will face homelessness. They have nowhere to go. They have been passed from pillar post by very nice people, they say, who work within the system. There is no answer for them. I raise Micheline's case because she has spoken out courageously and eloquently. However, I raise not only her case but also the circumstances of many others. For the over-65s, the seniors, people who have worked hard and contributed to our society and built our economy, where are they to go? Where will Micheline and her husband go in a few short weeks' time?

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