PBP propose amendments to extend eviction ban to April 2022
People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith has said that the Climate Bill is a contraction and is hardwired to fail. The TD pointed out that while there were targets for 2030 in the bill there were serious questions about if they were legally binding. In order to achieve these targets, the government has to take into account too many factors such as economic competitiveness. It does not commit the current government to targets in the lifetime of this government.
The party has said that they will be bringing amendments to the legislation on Just Transition, LNGs and Data Centres.
She said: “A serious Bill would have moved to stop data centres, to ban LNG terminals and fracked gas imports and to pave the way for free and frequent public transport. It would spell out a mass program of retro fitting to cut energy demand. This bill does none of these things.
“The single mention of Just Transition in the Bill is written in a way that the government of the day can sidestep the issue of a Just Transition. The line in the legislation says that the state “endeavors, in so far as is practicable” to maximise employment opportunities and provide support for these communities. This wording is highly problematic in my view as it gives the state a get out clause and does not give a legislative imperative for the government to facilitate a robust Just Transition.
“The Bill only states that the Minister “must have regard” in drawing up action plans. This is a very weak wording and is a significant loophole that will allow the establishment parties to drive through changes without any regard for working people.
Speaking on the party’s amendments to extend the eviction ban to April 2022, Richard Boyd Barrett TD said: “We have proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act which would extend the eviction ban, which is absolutely essential, especially during a pandemic, out to April 2022.
“We do not know when the pandemic or when the residual effects of it will continue to so we feel it is imperative for the government to extend the evictions ban out till 2022. People need to have security.”
