Two Green Party TDs express concerns over lifting of eviction ban

Two Green Party TDs have expressed concern over the possibility that the Government might lift the eviction ban, which is due to run out at the end of the month.

The Green TD for Dublin Central, Neasa Hourigan, has called on the Coalition leaders to "consider the effects of a full-scale lifting of the eviction ban".

The Green TD for Dublin South Central, Patrick Costello, said that he supports Deputy Hourigan's position and believes it has the support of others in the party.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan are due to consider the issue at a meeting tomorrow with Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien, ahead of a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

In a statement, deputy Hourigan said: "I would implore members of the Cabinet to listen to the public and Green Party members on this issue and to protect people who are among the most vulnerable in society."

Asked by RTÉ News if she wanted the ban extended, she replied that, if it was an either or question, then "it should stay".

However she added: "There is a middle ground available whereby the Government continues to constrain no fault evictions while allowing some where landlords can clearly demonstrate need."

A Green Party spokesperson said they would not be commenting on the statement.

Earlier, Opposition TDs called for an extension to the eviction ban.

An eviction ban is in place since the end of October 2022 until the end of this month.

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Speaking on RTÉ's The Week in Politics, Minister for Education Norma Foley said a "fully informed decision" would be made on whether the ban will be extended or not.

Minister Foley said the meeting with Minister O'Brien "will be followed by a discussion and analysis at Cabinet in relation to the opportunities that exist".

She said the eviction ban was an emergency measure and it was temporary.

"That was very necessary," she said.

"However. I think we need to look at everything in its broadest context and of course we need to be advised by the Attorney General.

"We must look at all aspects of the eviction ban, the implications, but also it is side by side with all the other measures that are being introduced as well."

She said ultimately "the biggest emphasis must be on supply".

Sinn Féin TD Louise O' Reilly said the eviction ban was an emergency measure and "the emergency is not over".

There is a need to extend the ban because Government needs to build social and affordable homes and the ban gives "them time to get their act together", she said.

People Before Profit Solidarity TD Richard Boyd Barrett said the eviction ban is about stopping an already disastrous situation getting worse.

"There will be thousands of children, elderly and sick people who will be left homeless if the government are mad enough and cruel enough to lift the eviction ban," he said.

Independent TD for Wexford Verona Murphy said the only thing that is going to work is more supply and the housing crisis is "in danger of affecting our foreign direct investment".

Minister Foley said 30,000 homes were provided for in the last year.

"So we are seeing the issues of supply being tackled," she said.

"We need to look at everything in the round. I do believe it is not one single measure that will tackle housing issues and that has been the view of Minister O' Brien."