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The temporary ban on evictions and rent increases first introduced during the pandemic will not end on Monday.<\/p>\nThe temporary ban on evictions and rent increases first introduced during the pandemic will not end on Monday.<\/p>\n
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said there are a lot of tenants who are \u201cvery anxious\u201d about the prospect of being evicted from their homes.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThe idea that people will be evicted into situations of homelessness, faced with the current pandemic, is unthinkable \u2013 from a public health point of view and a moral point of view.\u201d<\/p>\n
The current emergency ban on notice-to-quits, evictions and rent increases is due to expire this Monday, July 20.<\/p>\n
It was introduced in March to protect tenants during the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said the Cabinet discussed the issue of evictions on Wednesday and Housing Minister Darragh O\u2019Brien will make an announcement about it soon.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThe temporary ban on evictions won\u2019t end on Monday. But as the Deputy will appreciate, the legal advice around this is very strong. It can only be temporary and can\u2019t be forever \u2013 for reasons that are well rehearsed.<\/p>\n
\u201cA medium-term solution is going to be needed as well as a temporary extension to the ban.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Covid-19 Act states that renters can only be forced to leave their accommodation in exceptional circumstances.<\/p>\n
It was supposed to end after three months but former housing minister Eoghan Murphy extended it until July 20.<\/p>\n
Housing Minister Darragh O\u2019Brien said he will bring a memo to Cabinet on Monday following further consultation on the matter.<\/p>\n
Mr O\u2019Brien said he is also working with housing department officials and the Attorney General on long-term solutions for renters.<\/p>\n
He said he has been clear in his desire to see the rent freeze and eviction moratorium extended.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, I am very aware that there are legal implications for doing so.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rent freeze and eviction moratorium which was brought in under emergency legislation will not be extended indefinitely so it is important to have alternative protections in place to safeguard renters.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am currently working with the Attorney General on legislation in this regard and I want to have it enacted prior to the Dail recess,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Sinn F\u00e9in spokesperson on Housing Eoin O Broin TD descried Mr O\u2019Brien\u2019s statement on the extension of the eviction ban as \u201ca complete shambles\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cIt beggars belief that this matter couldn\u2019t have been satisfactorily resolved in advance of the deadline expiring on Monday.<\/p>\n
\u201cRenters need support and clarity now.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt appears the Government is blaming a restrictive interpretation of the Constitution by the Attorney General for its failure to provide real protections for renters.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey cannot hide behind this as an excuse for not doing the right thing.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt a minimum, they should have extended the ban until October.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, in reality, many renters need this protection until at least the end of the year.\u201d<\/p>\n