Tully urges Govt to support homeless bill

A local Sinn Féin TD is urging all TDs to support legislation to prevent homelessness when it comes before the Dáil later today (Tuesday).

The Simon Communities Homeless Prevention Bill 2021 will be moved by Sinn Féin during Private Member’s Business.

It proposes an amendment to the Residential Tenancies Act that will provide for an intervention by the relevant local authority to help prevent families from entering homeless services.

Deputy Pauline Tully explained the significance of the bill.

“This Bill provides for the automatic extension of notice periods for residential tenancies where a tenant is certified as being at risk of homelessness and allows a local authority to engage for a three-month period with a person or family who is at risk of homelessness.

“This is an important intervention as unfortunately recent homeless figures saw a rise in the number of adults and children experiencing homeless. Behind these figures are real lives which are turned upside down by the devastating impact of homelessness."

Continuing, Deputy Tully said homelessness is "far too common".

“Too often, the government pays lip service to the issue of preventing homelessness but fails to follow through with the necessary action to make a real difference. We need to do all we can to help those at risk of homeless to stay in their homes. I am urging the government to support this Bill and work together with us on this,” she concluded.