Lifting of eviction ban being felt in the Midlands - Browne

Tipperary Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne has called out the government on its disgraceful track record
on housing as he made the case for an extension to the no-fault eviction ban and also relayed to the House how the government’s 'reckless decision' is already being felt in parts of Co Tipperary.

Speaking afterwards, Teachta Browne said: “Sinn Fein could not, in all good conscience allow this government to end the eviction ban without doing what we can for renters across Co Tipperary and nationwide.

“And while this government, who have presided over surging national homelessness figures is forcing through the end to the no-fault eviction ban with the assistance of various independent TDs including one local one, none have yet told us where the tenants whose notice to quit is to fall due from this coming weekend will go.

“It is a truly reckless decision.

“That is why Sinn Féin have brought forward this piece of legislation – to bring a responsible response to the recklessness actions of this government and the independent TDs whose independence is highly questionable.

“That is also why Sinn Fein councillors David Dunne and Tony Black, alongside a number of independent councillors have called a special meeting of Tipperary County Council in response.

“The impacts of the decision to end the eviction ban is already being felt before it even comes into effect. I and my local party colleagues have all been contacted by tenants who are being approached with the news that their tenancy is to end as soon as possible.

“The vague concessions that a local independent TD claims to have secured are as questionable as his political independence, given that one government minister, Mary Butler spoke of her misgivings concerning the supposed deal.

“I also had to point out that in 2012, 3808 people were homeless. In 2015 it was 6032. In 2018 it rose further to 9891 and currently it stands at 11754 – 3431 of whom are children.

“And the common denominator is Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

“We need the independents who voted with the government last week to get a bit of courage and vote with Sinn Féin on this bill and not put people out of their homes and into homelessness.”