The Methodist Church in Ireland is deeply concerned at the lifting of the eviction ban.

With 11,754 people living in emergency accommodation in January 2023, a 25% increase over the course of a year, now is the time for the Government to be offering a clear plan of action with both short and long term goals.

The lifting of the eviction ban will increase further the number of those who are homeless. At a time when individuals and families are already struggling from the cost of living crisis, the Government should be putting in place more measures to protect those most at risk in our society. They are instead being plunged into more precarious situations.

We have already heard of eviction notices issued and from tomorrow, April 1st, we will immediately see the impact of this on our already stretched homeless services. Also, the consequences will be felt for decades on the nearly 3,500 children already living in emergency accommodation and the many more that will end up there because of the choices made by Government last week.

 We ask that the Government respond urgently to the needs of those who have received eviction notices and need to be most protected.

Issued: Friday 31 March

Council on Social Responsibility of the Methodist Church in Ireland