Labour is calling on the government to introduce a winter eviction ban to help protect people who are being "squeezed" by the housing market.

Senator Mark Wall was speaking on the last sitting day of the Oireachtas and urged the government to use the summer months to put a plan in place for the forthcoming winter.

Senator Wall said: "Labour urged Government to keep the eviction ban in place until there was clear evidence that homelessness was decreasing. Instead, we continue to see a steady increase in people entering homelessness.

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"This Winter, Government cannot leave people literally out in the cold. Labour are calling for the introduction of an annual 'Winter Truce' eviction ban, as has been in place in France since 1956.

"Families need security and certainty, and during the winter months, they need a reprieve. Introducing an annual winter eviction ban would be a step in the right direction, and a mark a positive change in approach from Minister O'Brien.

"Government must use the weeks ahead to set out an Emergency Housing for All strategy for the winter, which must include an eviction ban, but also focus on delivering social and affordable homes to speed up supply coming on stream.

"There are enormous systemic issues in housing – particularly in terms of the labour force available in the market. Government must ensure apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage, and also seek to roll out construction skills courses to encourage more people to consider a career in construction."