John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House and thank him and his officials for the speed with which they have worked on this legislation, which is exceptionally important to protect people from evictions during this emergency period and any subsequent emergency periods that may arise. I am sure that, in his response to some Opposition Members, he will defend the Bill against some of the charges levelled and explain the reasons for linking this provision to the 5 km restriction via the section 31A of the Health Act 1947. This 5 km is provided for in primary legislation or in regulations and the provision must be linked to something of that sort, as the Minister's officials briefed us during the week.

I compliment the Minister on the antisocial behaviour clause in the legislation. This is welcome. As Senator Byrne has said, there are instances of antisocial behaviour and we must ultimately still be able to deal with these despite this pandemic. It is often the accidental landlords who are left with problems in this regard. It is all about striking a balance.This legislation does this by safeguarding the rights of tenants during this emergency period and subsequent periods and the right of landlords to protect their property. The addition of the ten-day grace period when the measure elapses after six weeks is welcome as it will give tenants who were at the end of their notice period sufficient additional time to source alternative accommodation.

Some Members mentioned the resourcing of the Residential Tenancies Board. I compliment the Minister on the much needed additional resourcing provided for the RTB. What additional resources and staffing will be provided?

The issue of the affordable and cost rental housing will be discussed shortly. The Government will ultimately be judged on the provision of affordable housing. The Minister's officials should consider running an awareness campaign to highlight the additional 5% to 10% provision in the help-to-buy scheme and the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme. Many people are not aware those fantastic measures are available to help people to get their foot on the housing market ladder. I ask the Minister to take up that suggestion.