How can Government stand over lifting the eviction ban?

How can Government stand over lifting the eviction ban?

• Record breaking number of people living in homelessness

Labour leader and housing spokesperson Ivana Bacik has demanded a reintroduction of the eviction ban following the release today of figures showing that a shocking and record breaking number - 12,259 people - are now living in homelessness.

Deputy Bacik said:

"Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party have utterly failed the 12,259 people, including almost 4,000 children, who are now living in homelessness. Labour are demanding the reintroduction of the eviction ban to protect households in fear of eviction, until the Minister for Housing provides an effective plan for addressing this social crisis.

"Labour has consistently tried to put forward constructive solutions to prevent anyone living in homelessness. We need radical and ambitious plans to provide people with the most basic human need - shelter.

"We should be learning from other countries. In Finland, for example, homelessness has fallen sharply following the introduction of a "Housing First" concept. People living in homelessness receive shelter and counselling with no preconditions. Four in every five people make their way back to stable living. This Programme provides people with dignity and with a fair start. It is an investment in our society. With such a crisis in homelessness, a crisis in supply and a crisis in affordability, we need to see action.

"The homelessness crisis under this Government is a direct result of political decisions and a failed reliance on the private market to deliver the housing supply that is so badly needed. We can address this crisis but only when the political will is there to invest state resources far more effectively in measures to target homelessness.

"Until Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party face up to the challenges in the housing market by harnessing State resources to address the key issues of supply and affordability, homelessness figures will continue to grow and grow.

"There is no 'acceptable' rate of homelessness. Having one person living in homelessness is disgraceful. What kind of society can't provide housing for working people?"