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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Emergency accommodation for homeless families

Summary

Deputy Broughan describes a constituent and dozens of families unable to secure emergency accommodation, accusing the Government of paralysis. The Minister disputes that criticism and points to the forthcoming urban regeneration and housing Bill.

In regard to the planning and development legislation, one of my constituents was made homeless this morning along with her children. She presented to the homelessness unit in Parkgate Street but there was no accommodation for her. She is one of 60 homeless families who have not even been able to secure emergency accommodation. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl outlined the overall numbers. Every morning between 60 and 80 families cannot even find emergency accommodation. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government appears to be in a state of paralysis. Where is he? The legislation is not being progressed and there was no reference to housing in the lengthy statements by the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. Is it not time that the Government took a similar approach to the financial emergency measures in the public interest, FEMPI, legislation to housing by taking urgent action today? This situation cannot be allowed to continue.

Comment on this

The Deputy is right that it is a pressing matter but he is totally wrong to say that the Government has not taken action on it.

Comment on this

It flies in the face of the facts of our investment in the housing programme and dealing with homelessness. The Deputy is completely wrong about that, as he is aware. The urban regeneration and housing Bill is to be introduced before the end of May. It is being worked on as a priority because it is extremely important.

Comment on this