Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022 was a time limited enactment which provided for a stay on eviction notices up to 31 March 2023, with deferred tenancy terminations taking effect over a staggered period from 1 April to 18 June.

The Government and I considered a number of courses of action in advance of the ending of the winter moratorium period and believe that a focus on additional new supply is the best way forward.

On 7 March, I announced further measures to increase the supply of social homes to mitigate the impact of the end of the winter emergency period including:

- an increase in the number of social housing acquisitions to 1,500 in 2023 to reduce the number of households at risk of homelessness;

- an additional 1,000 homes through Targeted Leasing initiatives in 2023 and 2024; and

- the amendment of the Capital Advance Leasing Facility used by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to assist them in their efforts in delivering social homes.

The Government has recently agreed on a number of new measures to give tenants the opportunity to buy their home. This includes developing a legislative provision which may require that a landlord selling a property to offer “First Right of Refusal” to a tenant. Furthermore, I have issued a request to the First Home scheme Designated Activity Company to expand its eligibility to encompass such instances as where tenants who have received such a notice would be eligible for support under that scheme. In addition, I am developing proposals for a bespoke cost rental model which would see a provider allow tenants who have received such a notice and who are at risk of homelessness, but not on social housing supports, continue to reside in the property. The details of these schemes are in the process of being advanced and information will be available in due course.

On 14 March 2023, a circular letter was issued to all local authorities in relation to arrangement for social housing acquisitions for 2023. The circular advises local authorities of the increase of the number of social housing acquisitions from 200 per annum to 1,500 per annum. These acquisitions are to focus on homes where a HAP or RAS tenant has received a Notice of Termination, due to the sale of the property. Wexford County Council have an initial target of 30 acquisitions. Local authorities are best placed to make decisions on acquisitions. Individual local authorities have the flexibility to identify suitable acquisitions in line with local circumstances, value for money and their social housing allocations policy.

I have also reiterated the importance of being proactive in acquiring properties where a HAP or RAS tenant has received a Notice of Termination, both in correspondence and in person with Local Authority Chief Executives at the recent Housing Summits.

Last week my Department issued correspondence to local authority Regional Leads regarding the ongoing and additional measures to mitigate the impact of the end of the emergency winter eviction period and a circular letter will issue shortly with further details. Furthermore, The Housing Agency hosted a workshop with local authorities on 29 March to discuss these measures alongside homeless prevention recommendations made by the National Homeless Action Committee. My Department will continue to engage with all local authorities regarding the ongoing measures.

My Department will be monitoring activity in this area closely through 2023 and will continue to work with all local authorities, including Wexford County Council, to ensure sufficient funding is made available to support those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.