Laois Offaly TD likens extending eviction ban to giving children free sweets

A Laois Offaly TD’s comment likening the extension of the eviction ban to giving free sweets to children was branded ‘disgraceful’ in the Dail.

Deputy Barry Cowen came under fire after making the comment during a confidence motion debate in the Dail on Wednesday. 

Labour TD Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said “the sweets for children remark was disgraceful.”

“Deputy Ó Ríordáin's remarks are disgraceful,” Deputy Cowen responded. 

Deputy Cowen had earlier told the Dail that the extension to the eviction ban had always been intended as a temporary measure. He didn’t dispute there was a housing crisis but didn't believe Opposition were being helpful. 

“The majority of the Opposition is piggybacking on the genuine fears and concerns of very vulnerable people. It has created an unhelpful caricature of the evil landlord. Many others, even in the press, have lapped this up,” he said.  

“Keeping or extending the ban is not necessarily going to solve this crisis. It is like making sweets free for children. It is fine for a little while, but ultimately detrimental to the greater need,” argued Deputy Cowen. 

“I am working with Councillor colleagues in my county, Offaly, to provide that solution for the 20 or so cases that have sought my help, as the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, is doing across the border in Laois. I implore Deputies from all parties, especially Opposition Deputies, to take their responsibilities seriously and do likewise in their respective constituencies,” said Deputy Cowen. 

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“The Opposition has had three weeks on this. It has versed and voiced its anger at how we came to be at this juncture. It has exerted enough time and pressure. It is time now if Members are really genuine to go back to their constituencies and put the tenant in situ solution into practice because those impacted by the lifting of that ban depend on all of us to make that solution work,” said Deputy Cowen. 

The Government, with the help of Independent TDs, won the confidence motion by 86 votes to 67.