Senator Moynihan calls for reinstatement on eviction ban

Labour Senator and housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan has called for a reinstatement of the ban on all evictions.

The call comes after the number people sleeping rough rose once again in April.

“The figures published today show a clear need to reinstate and extend the eviction ban to protect the most vulnerable families in society.

“A further 12 families are homeless, and the number of children without a home has increased by 27.

“In Dublin alone, 699 families are without a home.

“Despite record funding the government’s policies aren’t working because the primary cause of homelessness is evictions and the Minister won’t act comprehensively.

“Quite simply, these figures are a sign that the Government’s housing strategy is destined to fail ordinary people once again.

“What is so tragic about this is that children are being caught up in this failure.

“We will now see homelessness figures creeping up month by month again.

“Most people who enter homelessness come from the private rental market.

“With news of a Government loophole that could see rents increase by eight percent in July, I am gravely worried for renters.

“We already have a real issue with affordability in the rental sector.

“An eight percent increase in rents will push many renters into desperate situations.

“The Minister needs to ensure renters are adequately protected into next year as the economy recovers and people get back to work. It’s time to freeze rents until more supply comes on stream and give renters a much-needed break.

“Instead of giving the same old response, the Government has to act with the sense of urgency this crisis demands.”