I am grateful to the Minister for this opportunity to ask questions. We are aware that the people are still experiencing a housing crisis that is only being compounded by Covid-19. Last year, the State invested €700 million into the private market through the housing assistance payment, HAP, fuelling the tenancy market to extraordinary rent levels. Under this Government, 10,000 people are homeless even though we are the fifth wealthiest nation in the world per capita . I truly hope those people are in the Minister'…

We are here today in different circumstances. I believe I have entered the Dáil in a time of great change and where unity is required. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge how truly honoured and proud I am to be the first Green Party Deputy to represent the community of Dublin South-West. I sincerely thank the voters for my mandate and the opportunity to effect change. I also applaud and commend all party leaders and their health spokespersons for the decisive actions and the leadership they have shown. In t…

Section 5(1) provides that a landlord shall not serve notice of termination during the emergency period but does not specify what will happen if the landlord does so. Our amendment provides that any such notice shall be null, void and of no effect.

I move amendment No. 15: In page 8, line 15, after “period” to insert “and any notice so served shall be null and void.”.

I move amendment No. 20: In page 9, between lines 12 and 13, to insert the following: “ 6. Section 67(1) of the Act of 2004 is amended by the insertion of “subject to section 5(1) of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 after “tenancy” where it secondly occurs.”. Section 67, as drafted, would allow a landlord to issue a 28-day notice to a tenant for non-payment and then issue a termination notice within 28 further days. This is a total of 56 days, which is less than the three months eme…

Yes.

I thank the Acting Chairman.