Cabinet to consider extension of Covid protections for tenants
The Cabinet will this morning consider a proposal from Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien to extend protections for tenants whose incomes have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Residential Tenancies and Valuation Bill is due to lapse on 12 April, but it is set to be renewed for three months.
The legislation protects tenants from eviction until July if they have been negatively affected by the coronavirus and are facing rent arrears.
It also prevents any rent increases for those who find themselves in this predicament provided they make a self-declaration that their incomes have fallen as a result of the pandemic.
However, the blanket ban on all evictions will expire within ten days of the 5km travel limit ending.
That limit is set to remain in place until 5 April, but will be reviewed in the lead up to that date.
Cabinet will also discuss the planned extension of parent leave from two to five weeks as announced in the last Budget.
This measure will be contained in the Family Leave Bill and it is within this piece of legislation that Government will include amendments to quickly progress through the Oireachtas the new Personal Injuries Guidelines.
Ministers hope these guidelines will reduce litigation, awards and ultimately insurance costs.
Cabinet will also be given an update on plans for St Patrick’s Day in the absence of ministerial foreign trips.
It is likely that each Irish embassy will hold a virtual celebration with key contacts.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney will brief colleagues virtually following his recent return from Iran.
