Environment Minister Alan Kelly is being urged to appear before the new all party sub committee on housing and homelessness to his explain his belief that the constitution has blocked him from interfering in the private housing market to stop evictions.

Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin is calling on the committee to meet this week to discuss the issue.

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He said: "The Master of the High Court has completely contradicted Minister Kelly and it would appear that the Minister has been hiding behind the constitution to explain away his inaction on this issue.

"That committee should meet this week and Alan Kelly should appear before it not only to explain the difference of opinion between himself and the Master of the High Court but to brief members of the committee on what he is doing to ease the housing crisis.

"If there is an opportunity to compulsory purchase housing units back from vulture funds who are evicting vulnerable families then that should be looked at seriously."

(CD)