Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

However, it will still be possibly even half that. Rather than an exclusive focus on the supply of private housing, better management of and investment in that vacant stock is a much quicker route to providing those units, whether for the social or private sector, along with tackling issues around mortgage distress and rent. I know some of these issues do not fall under the Minister's Department, but for him to take a strong stand on these issues, especially the likes of rent certainty, could help.

We had a very powerful presentation from the SONAS group on the links between domestic violence and homelessness. Yesterday, several members of the committee again attended a very powerful presentation by 20 individuals and families who are in homeless facilities facilitated by Focus Ireland. In trying to tackle the broad range of issues that has been outlined, we also need to ensure we properly fund those services and ensure they meet the needs of the people who are in homeless services, some of whom have been in homeless services for long periods for reasons such as domestic violence, mortgage arrears, rent costs and so on. I advise the Minister to meet the people we met yesterday. I am sure Focus Ireland will facilitate it. What they will say about their experience of homeless services is very different from what many people who do not deal with homeless services think. Listening to those people before preparing an action plan would be very helpful.

The key message from our party is that unless the stock of social housing is increasing through purchase, refurbishment and new builds, we are not going to tackle the most acute end of housing need. That is not to say we do not need private sector solutions elsewhere in the housing market, but because it is the Minister's responsibility, that should be his primary focus.