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

I appreciate that the Taoiseach did not see the programme. If he had, he would have seen the family in question applied for medical priority and had been refused. That decision is under appeal. They are in the same situation that thousands of other families with real medical needs who are not able to have their housing needs met and who are not prioritised.

The Taoiseach dismissed a ban no-fault evictions as if it could not work. In fact, such a ban is the norm in most European countries. Not only is it the norm, but these are countries with much larger rental sectors than ours. Those sectors are successful and have lots of supply. They are the subject of good rent regulation and offer good security for renters. Of course, it could be done here.

The Taoiseach referred to increases in social housing numbers. However, there has been a dramatic increase in the level of homelessness over the past few years. I will repeat my question. What specifically is the Government going to do to turn this around? Month after month, the situation is getting worse. We need new action from the Government. Will it ban no-fault evictions? If not, what is it going to do?

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