As Christmas approaches, children right across Ireland will tomorrow night enjoy the excitement and magic of the "Late Late Toy Show" in the comfort of their own homes. This should be the case for every child but it is a sad reality that it is not the case for far too many in today's Ireland. The most recent homeless figures show that nearly 4,000 children live in emergency accommodation. Updated figures are due to be published tomorrow and child homelessness is expected to increase again as we come closer to Christmas. The scourge of homelessness, which has increased by 47% since the Government took office, robs children of their childhood. It is shameful. No child should grow up in this awful situation. The Government needs to act urgently to stem the flow of people into homelessness.

I urge the Tánaiste, as a first step, to reinstate the no-fault eviction ban to ensure that no other child ends up in homelessness accommodation this Christmas. Will he do that as a first step?

We wish Patrick Kielty the very best with his first "Late Late Toy Show". It is a magic moment for many children across the country. I hope that will be the case tomorrow.

The Government is taking a lot of measures in November. Child poverty has come down. There are budget measures, including the doubling of the child benefit payment and a range of payments that will take place in November. We have brought in free primary schoolbooks, for example, which will help parents in terms of affordability. We have done likewise for junior certificate books.

Seriously? Come on. This is about homelessness.

In terms of homelessness, the tenant in situ scheme has been very effective in preventing children and families going into homelessness. There are many factors underpinning homelessness in the country and not all were articulated by the Deputy. The Government is focused on the issue. We are now building at a rate that has not been seen for quite a long time, particularly in respect of the delivery of social housing.

What about the eviction ban?

The tenant in situ scheme has been far more effective.

What about the eviction ban?

That would exacerbate the problem. That is one part of it.

There will be more children in homelessness.