Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We in Sinn Féin would reinstate the eviction ban. We would also help to slow down people becoming homeless. If the Minister had done this, those additional 182 people would probably not have been homeless in May. It would also have given the chance to perhaps reduce the figures. Additionally, legislation has been proposed by Simon and Focus Ireland concerning homelessness that the Government has not adopted. Why? These are people who are on the front line and who understand the challenges facing local authorities and people providing homeless accommodation for people who become homeless, and the Government is not doing anything. Why is it not enacting this legislation?

We also know that rent increases are driving people out of their homes. Where is the rent freeze? Sinn Féin would reinstate the ban on evictions and bring in a rent freeze. We would also ensure that there was enough money in the budgets of the local authorities as well.

I will leave the Minister with this point. I am dealing with a family that will be becoming homeless next Monday. There is a husband and wife and their 12-year-old autistic child. They have been told that her little dog, that she has as a comforter-----

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