Sometimes I do not know what plane or planet the Taoiseach is on. However, I wish to ask him about something different, namely, his programme for Government's commitment to end long-term homelessness and rough sleeping. He will know that yesterday Dublin Simon Community revealed there has been an increase of 88% in the number of people forced to sleep rough. Will the Taoiseach set out for us what he proposes to do to make good that commitment in the programme for Government to end rough sleeping, and will he indicate whether he will support having a dedicated Dáil debate on the issue of homelessness and public housing, as the crisis escalates for so many people?

This issue has been raised by a number of organisations that work in this area, providing extensive and very valuable support. Approximately €15 million is being spent every year in this area. I have listened to the figures given for those people deemed to be the new homeless, as distinct from those who may sleep rough on a temporary basis. The Minister of State with responsibility for housing, Deputy Jan O' Sullivan, and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, will work with the agencies and organisations concerned to see how the situation might be improved and how we might get best effect from the money that is being spent. The issue is clearly one that must be reflected upon in the budget. I understand the Minister is to meet with NAMA today in respect of the potential for acquiring units of housing to help in this matter.

Which Minister?

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O' Sullivan.