Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I will ask about child homelessness and protections for renters. The Taoiseach has consistently stated that the no-fault ban on evictions last year did not work. However, last December, after the eviction ban was introduced, the number of children growing up without a home dropped for the first time in 11 months, and for three months in a row the number of children who were homeless fell. Since the eviction ban was lifted, the number of children growing up without a home has increased every single month. Now, almost 4,000 children are living in emergency homeless accommodation as we approach Christmas. That is the highest number ever on record.

In most European countries, renters who pay their rent cannot be evicted and there is a permanent ban on no-fault evictions. Will the Taoiseach withdraw his previous statements that the eviction ban was not working? Will the Government do the right thing and take action to tackle child homelessness by reinstating the ban on no-fault evictions?

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