A People Before Profit bill to extend a ban on evictions and turn it into a real ban has passed the second stage.
The right-wing government of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Greens wanted to vote it down but they messed up their votes.
After the bill passed one Fine Gael TD got to his feet and tried to get the vote reversed – in a clear breach of the rules.
You can see the antics to which they will stoop here.
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The People Before Profit bill aim to protect tenants through its Eviction Ban 2022 Bill.
This asserts that a housing emergency should be declared for the next 12 months. During that year, tenants cannot be evicted unless there is evidence of anti-social behaviour or damage to property.
The bill also contains a clause that would allow the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to extend the emergency ban for a further period if they deem it in the public interest.
This is a vital measure that will give tenants minimum but temporary security. It is the only possible answer to a housing crisis.
What you can do:
· Get on to your local TD and tell them not to oppose the bill in later stages.
· Support active resistance to mass evictions in places like Tathony House.