The programme for Government commits to ending long-term homelessness and the need to sleep rough. Following the recent tragic death of a man in Dublin's Phoenix Park, it is clear that tackling homelessness remains a key challenge for Irish society. There are reports of huge increases in homelessness in Dublin and Cork but the Government has cut €233 million from the social housing budget since taking office.

Thank you Deputy. We cannot have speeches now. The Deputy is asking about the homeless Bill.

Local authorities do not have sufficient housing to prevent people from becoming homeless. When will adequate funds be released to meet the programme for Government target to ensure that nobody is forced to sleep rough?

The Government has a target to end homelessness. Nobody should have to sleep rough. It is very tragic that anybody has to sleep rough. On the issue of public housing, the Government has, in this year's budget, recommenced a public housing programme.

That will build only 300 houses.