An important report on the deaths of single people experiencing homelessness was published earlier this month. The interim report by Dr. Austin O’Carroll found an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness who died in 2020 compared to 2019. The findings of the report reinforce that poverty and social exclusion are key causes of homelessness. The report makes a number of recommendations including a multi-agency critical incident review of deaths of people experiencing homelessness, greater access to Housing First, increased access to primary care and mental health services, improved data collection and the extension of overdose and suicide prevention programmes. Will the Tánaiste agree to implement in full the recommendations of this important report?

I pay tribute to Dr. O’Carroll, who does fantastic work in the provision of services to marginalised groups. We need to listen to what he is saying.

I join the Deputy in commending Dr. Austin O’Carroll. I have worked and spend a bit of time with him through various charities and organisations in which he has been involved. I would listen to what he says in this regard. The Minister is considering the report and will respond in a reasoned way.

The most recent monthly homelessness report shows that the number of single adults accessing emergency accommodation has fallen for the second consecutive month to 4,533. We have seen roughly a 40% fall in family homelessness since its peak. It is still a serious problem and a lot more has to be done.