I requested at Thursday's meeting of the Business Committee that before the Christmas break an urgent discussion about the shameful levels of child and family homelessness as we head towards Christmas. Every single month we have seen a new and shameful record in the levels of child and family homelessness. While many might be looking forward to Christmas, for many mothers, children and families, some of whom have endured three and four years in homelessness, this is going to be a pretty difficult, if not traumatic, time.

We need a discussion before Christmas, and to hear from the Minister, on what new and additional measures he will take in order to address this truly awful and shameful situation of nearly 13,000 people homeless, 5,000 of whom are under the age of 24.