Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It sounds like political heresy - long-term visions and planning. Where we would be? No, I agree wholeheartedly.

I will ask a simple question to which there may not be a simple answer. Social Justice Ireland is on the national media a great deal concerning homelessness and it works in that area. I am not referring to housing, but emergency accommodation for the men, women and, God forgive us, children who are out there tonight, and have been out there last night and the night before, freezing. I am not discussing clever, integrated services that get people back into homes. I am discussing a country in which people do not freeze outside at night. Aside from an integrated service, how much would it take to stop just that bit from happening? Has Social Justice Ireland a sense of what a Government cheque would need to amount to in order to stop men, women and children from being cold and homeless tonight?