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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Galway emergency accommodation

Summary

Deputy Farrell describes a homeless Galway family, including three children after fleeing domestic violence, being left waiting for emergency accommodation. The Taoiseach says he will speak with the Minister and Galway City Council about the situation and revert to her.

I am deeply concerned because, once again, families in Galway city are coming to me as they are homeless and unable to access emergency accommodation. One woman came to me with her three young children. They had fled domestic violence but were told they had to wait for emergency accommodation because there were 11 other families waiting before them. She has now been homeless since April. Her children are two, four and ten. Where have we come to as a society when we cannot offer shelter to those who are most in need? Emergency accommodation should always be seen as the last resort for any family. Of course, the family wants rental accommodation or a permanent home but this is not available and now even that last resort is not available. What are the Taoiseach's exact plans to increase the amount of emergency accommodation in Galway city as the situation is at a crisis point?

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Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. It is obviously a very distressing case for that poor family and the three children. I will talk directly to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and Galway City Council about the status of emergency accommodation in the city and what more we can do and then revert to the Deputy.

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