Page 60 of the programme for Government refers to tackling homelessness and further states the priority of the Government is to reduce it while in government. That does not seem to be working in my city of Limerick. That ambition seems to have dropped down the list of Government priorities. If one walks through the streets of Limerick - the Taoiseach was there on Friday - one will see people sleeping out on the streets, bracing themselves against the harshness of winter weather. Homelessness services in Limerick, which are the last resort for people who have nowhere to sleep, tell me that up to 20 people a day are being turned away because they simply have nowhere to put them. They have no accommodation left. Will emergency funding be delivered, especially as we come up to Christmas and the cold winter period? What is the Department going to do to ensure there are no people in Limerick or elsewhere in the State sleeping on the streets?

Our objective in all cities, including this city and Limerick, is to make sure that shelter is available to everyone who needs it. That is not always the case but, generally speaking, it is the case. I will be speaking to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, during the week and will let him know the Deputy has raised the issue of people not having shelter in Limerick. Emergency funding can be provided if needed.