Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, back to the House. It is interesting that in the wording of the amendment to the motion put forward by the Government side there is an acknowledgement of serious underlying problems in the area of homelessness and in respect of the housing situation in general across the country. For example, it recognises that the number of people presenting as homeless in the greater Dublin area increased in 2013.

In fact, according to our amendment, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive has confirmed that rough sleeping in the city has increased by a shocking 200% in the past 12 months. Focus Ireland has reported an 18% increase in demand for its services this year.

Another element of the Government motion refers to the emerging shortage of affordable rental accommodation in Dublin and other urban centres, leading to an upward pressure on rents and the way this is impacting on people at risk of homelessness and those seeking to exit homeless services. Again, our amendment notes the underlying causes of the dramatic increase in rent levels throughout Dublin and the impact of harsh social welfare cuts on vulnerable households. We believe approximately 3,000 housing units are needed to address long-term homelessness. I am keen to hear the response of the Minister of State on those aspects of the Government amendment, because they go to the nub of the problem.

A further element of our amendment focuses on NAMA. As always, I was interested to hear Senator Kelly's contribution. His background indicates he has been at the coalface dealing with people who are the most vulnerable in society given his former role as a community welfare officer. He is obviously well-informed but what particularly interested me was his comments relating to social housing waiting lists and NAMA properties. I was somewhat astonished to learn that while 35 NAMA properties have been identified in County Leitrim, the waiting list is an astonishing 1,622.