I propose to take Questions Nos. 285, 292 and 300 together.
With effect from 27 March 2020, under new emergency measures introduced into law to protect tenants during the COVID-19 emergency period, tenants cannot be forced to leave their rental accommodation, other than in exceptional circumstances. The measures also prohibit any increase to rent for the duration of the emergency period. These emergency laws initially applied for a period of 3 months from the enactment of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 and were subsequently extended to 20 July by the previous Government.
On my request, having consulted with the Minister for Health and with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, the Government has made a further Order extending the emergency period until 1 August 2020.
Subject to Cabinet approval, I intend to introduce residential tenancy legislation in the Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess to further protect tenants who have been economically impacted by the pandemic.