The Government has announced 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.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy plans to publish legislation next week to amend the Residential Tenancies Act to give effect to these changes.

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.

Minister Eoghan Murphy speaking to the media at Government Buildings in Dublin. Photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Minister Murphy said: "I know that many people who are renting are worried about their living situation.

"I want to assure them that over the emergency period they will be able to remain in their homes.

"Today the Government approved new measures to give the strongest possible protection to all renters at this time of national emergency.

"A moratorium on notices to leave rental accommodation is being introduced as is a moratorium on rent increases so that people will be safe in their homes during this period."

A number of opposition parties had called for evictions to be banned for the duration of the coronavirus crisis.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald earlier told the Dáil: "Tens of thousands of people have lost their jobs, many more will lose their jobs in the days and weeks ahead.

"And for these families, the fear of the virus is now matched by the fear of bills that cannot be paid, rents that cannot be paid, mortgages that might go into default".

"At this time people's homes are their sanctuaries - never before has the need for a secure roof over your head been greater.

"And that's why today we have put forward an amendment to the legislation that will prohibit evictions for the period that this legislation is in place.

"I believe that must be upheld in the common good and that no threat of eviction should hangover anybody's head at this time of crisis".

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald speaking in the Dáil | Image: Oireachtas screenshot

Meanwhile the Irish Property Owners' Association (IPOA) has criticised comments from Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe in relation to potential eviction of tenants by property owners.

Stephen Faughnan, chairman of the IPOA, said: "The assumption by the Minister, Pascal Donohue, that landlords will automatically seek to evict tenants in financial difficulty is grossly unfair and serves to portray property owners in a very poor and cynical light.

"The fact of the matter is that the vast vast majority of property owners treat their tenants very fairly and enjoy an excellent relationship with their tenants.

"A huge proportion of property owners have accommodated their tenants over a long number of years on very low rents without increasing same, a fact that was ignored when the rent cap measures were introduced at the end of 2016.

"It is now grossly unfair to assume that those same property owners will immediately move to evict tenants in financial difficulty.

"The Government need to move quickly to put in place the rental supports necessary to allow the tenants to continue to pay their rent.

"The private landlord is the bedrock of the rental sector and Government policy and actions need to recognise and respect this."

This latest announcement comes after measures announced on Wednesday by the five main banks.

They agreed to a three-month suspension of mortgage and business loan repayments for customers affected by COVID-19.