Sinn Féin says more needs to be done to help renters and homeowners affected by the coronavirus.

The Government announced measures on Thursday to help tenants and homeowners in financial difficulty.

It will mean moratoriums on evictions and rent increases for the duration of the coronavirus emergency.

The Department of Housing says this is to ensure people can stay in their homes during this period

The notice period for tenancies of less than six months is also being increased from 28 to 90 days.

While tenants will be expected to pay rent during this period, income supports and rent supplement is available to those struggling.

These supports are provided by the Department of Social Protection.

The Department of Housing adds that any rent arrears built up will be payable - but landlords have been asked to "show forbearance and reach local arrangements" in such circumstances.

Sinn Féin's housing spokesman, Eoin Ó Broin says the measures do not go far enough for those who have lost their jobs.

"The moratorium that Eoghan Murphy announced yesterday - all that will mean is the rent doesn't have to be paid during the crisis.

"But that means people will be left with very significant rent arrears bills on the other side of it.

"There's three things that could be done, and the first one we believe needs to be done as a matter of urgency is the introduction of an emergency COVID-19 rent supplement payment for people who've lost their jobs".