FIANNA Fáil and Fine Gael councillors have been asked to explain why they blocked a debate on the lifting of the no fault eviction ban at an emergency meeting of Limerick City and County Council yesterday.
The challenge came from Limerick Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan who said that instead of allowing the debate, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael councillors, with the support of the Mayor, blocked the motion and refused to allow the meeting proceed.
“Sinn Féin councillors, along with a Social Democrat and an Independent councillor, had tabled a motion calling for the reinstatement of the eviction ban but this was rejected by councillors representing the Government parties.
“Sinn Fein has expressed its concerns to Limerick City and County Council as we believe this decision was in direct breach of standing orders.
“I firmly believe they did this because they knew they could not stand over a decision that places hundreds of families and individuals in Limerick at risk of homelessness,” Deputy Quinlivan declared.
“The decision by Limerick government TDs to back the lifting of the eviction ban spells disaster for more than 400 individuals and families, many of whom will be forced to leave their home in the coming weeks and months.
“Local Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael councillors cannot hide from the decisions of their own parties.
“Refusing to allow democratic debate in the Council Chamber is unacceptable, especially on an issue that has such grave consequences for so many. There was an agenda for the meeting, and it was completely disregarded by councillors, who were eager to avoid accountability from the public,” Deputy Quinlivan explained.
“The special meeting was called to discuss the plans that Limerick Council would have in place to address the ending of the no fault eviction ban.”
“The Council has not yet provided figures on the number of emergency beds available for families and individuals. The government’s so-called safety net is invisible in Limerick and the public deserve accountability on this.
“Sinn Féin will continue to fight to prevent these evictions, locally and nationally. It is not too late for the government to show compassion. They should change their minds and reinstate the eviction ban,” Deputy Quinlivan concluded.
