Leo Varadkar has said he will provide clarity in the next two weeks on whether the eviction ban will be extended.

Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik told the Taoiseach that clarity was needed for renters on whether the ban would be allowed to lapse as scheduled at the end of March.

"We do need to see urgent action by Government on housing for all the families in households that are currently facing that cliff-edge of an eviction notice," Ms Bacik commented.

The Taoiseach committed to providing clarity before the Dáil breaks for its St Patrick's Day recess on March 9, as ministers prepare to travel across the globe to promote the country.

"I agree with you on the matter of certainty, and the Government is considering this matter. We will make a decision and announce it before the St Patrick's Day recess, you have my assurance in that regard," Mr Varadkar said.

In Association with

The eviction ban was introduced by Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien in October of last year and is due to lapse at the end of March.

Earlier, junior housing minister and Fine Gael TD Kieran O'Donnell was left red-faced in the Dáil Chamber after letting an Opposition Bill banning evictions progress past its second stage.

The People Before Profit Evictions Ban Bill 2022 seeks to ban 'no-fault' evictions for a further 12 months.

Mr O'Donnell failed to respond to oppose the Bill when twice asked by the Ceann Comhairle after the debate on the matter had ended.

The recently appointed junior minister then pleaded for the record to be changed, saying: "I am sorry, we are opposing the Bill."

However, the Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, insisted that "you did not oppose it - you cannot come in afterwards". He added: "There is a well-established practice. You call for a decision. The decision was made and I am not prepared to have it unmade."

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett insisted that "rules are rules".

Mr O'Donnell pleaded, unsuccessfully, for some "flexibility" after what he described as a "rookie error".

The mistake occurred as Fine Gael leader Mr Varadkar took his seat in preparation for Leaders' Questions.

He appeared to have some sympathy for his embarrassed deputy after his flirtation with the left-leaning side of the Chamber.