Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien (pictured) has said he expects a bill banning evictions while level five restrictions are in operation to go before the Seanad and Dáil this week.

Minister O’Brien told RTÉ this morning he would bring a memo on the issue to cabinet today (20 October).

The news follows the Government’s announcement last night that the country was moving to the highest level of COVID-19 restrictions for six weeks from midnight on Wednesday (21 October).

Protecting renters

The housing minister said that his action was aimed at protecting renters and ensuring that people do not have to move house during a time when movements are restricted to 5km.

He added that the proposed legislation would allow a ban on evictions be reactivated if restrictions are needed again in the future.

The minister indicated that the only incidences where protections would not apply would be in cases of serious anti-social or criminal behaviour.

Penalties

The Government said last night that the move to level five was based on current public health advice and the deteriorating situation across the country.

It said that the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) would be changed to reflect the new situation.

Under the restrictions, people are asked to stay at home and exercise only within a 5km radius of their home.

Penalties are being planned for movement beyond the 5km limit, with exemptions for essential work and other essential purposes.