Temperatures have fallen considerably below zero in the past week. Can the Minister visualise the situation of people forced to sleep in old caravans and mobile homes? I raised this issue last week but every night that goes by it strikes me how bad the situation is.

The national Traveller-specific caravan loan scheme was extended but only to 75 caravans. In my constituency, we need 26 but were allocated four. To provide these people with caravans will take six years at this rate. Will the Minister give me an assurance that the money will be made available to provide decent shelter to everybody in this country who needs it and that all these Traveller families will be afforded proper accommodation forthwith?

I acknowledge the Deputy’s interest in this issue and in ensuring proper Traveller accommodation is in place around the country. I will follow up with the Minister, Deputy Darragh O’Brien. I am not sure how quickly new caravans can be procured and made available if the funding is provided but we will see what we can do. We want people to be safe, warm and comfortable in this very cold weather.