Govt Urged To Outline Coronavirus Measures For Renters

The Irish government has come under pressure to introduce measures for those in emergency accommodation and renters as the Covid-19 pandemic sweeps the country.

Sinn Féin representative Eoin Ó Broin TD has written to Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy calling for clarity on the issue.

Deputy Ó Broin expressed serious concern for those in emergency accommodation, or in cramped living quarters, such as hotel rooms and hostels, and their inability to self isolate in these conditions.


"My correspondence to the Minister this morning also reflected concerns renters brought to me in terms of upcoming rent reviews and the mortgage holidays that banks are open to for homeowners," he said.

"I asked Minister Murphy if any consideration has been given to a rent review moratorium during the Covid 19 crisis.

"I also asked him if there has been any discussion with any discussion with the Department for Social Protection on whether emergency rent supplement payments will made available to renters.

"Finally, will the Minister consider a moratorium on landlords issuing vacant possession notices to quit when selling their property in order to prevent more people entering homeless services during the pandemic?

"The adoption of these measures will provide some comfort to the vulnerable in our society."

(CM/MH)