Threshold calls for assistance in the purchase of homes, security of tenure and policy dealing with the homeless.
The voluntary housing agency Threshold has launched a special report into the problems of housing and homelessness in Ireland.
A recent row over the Mespil House complex in Dublin highlighted the difficulties facing people in the private rental sector. This sector accounted for the majority of calls to Threshold in 1992. Notice to quit and eviction were the most common reasons for contacting the organisation.
The Threshold report finds that the vast majority of tenants have no security of tenure and many tenants are shocked by no fault evictions. Threshold has called for the establishment of a working party to examine the difficulties facing those in the rental market.
In Cork, there was a rise in the number of people contacting Threshold last year with queries about mortgage and rent arrears. Threshold wants an end to mortgage interest relief. Cormac Ó Dullachain of Threshold, says that mortgage interest relief is inequitable and unfair, and only serves to help those with the most money.
Most of the assistance goes to those who have most of the income.
Threshold would also like to see the full implementation of government policies that already exist to address the problem of homelessness.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 2 June 1993. The reporter is Una O'Hagan.
