Stop Proposed Eviction of Mother and Baby Republican Network for Unity Tell Housing Executive.

Statement from Sammy Cusick, North Belfast Republican Network for Unity spokesperson.

“The Housing Executive are threatening to evict 21 year old Marissa Mc Mahon and her 5 month old baby daughter Luighseach.

Marissa has been living in Maeve House in Belfast City’s New Lodge district under her Fathers tenants’ agreement for the past 11 months. Her Father is currently caring for Marissa’s Mother and Brother who are disabled and in need of constant attention.

At all times Marissa and her Father have done all that is required of them by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Their rent has always been paid in full and they notified the Housing Executive as to their change of tenancy.

In return the Housing Executive has;

• Lost the records of Marissa and her Fathers change of tenancy in August 2008.

• Taken two months to respond to her appeal when it should have taken ten days.

• Told Marissa that letters relating to her case “went walkies”.

• On July 24th 2009 sent a letter to Marissa reassuring her that she was not to be made homeless.

• On July 29th 2009 informed that she was to be “evicted” from her family home.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive are now claiming that Marissa, her Father and her infant daughter are “illegal tenants”. The Republican Network for Unity calls upon the Housing Executive to immediately withdraw the threat of eviction. To begin a speedy review of their files relating to the case in recognition of the mess which is of their own creation.

Accordingly we will be supporting tomorrows (Wednesday August 5th) protest, organised by concerned residents of the area, opposing the eviction of this Mother and child from their home. This will take place at the NIHE office, Great Victoria Street, Belfast at 3:00pm.”

Statement ends.