Ms Tanya Ward:

The higher number of children living in poverty is actually in rural communities where incomes are lower. This makes it more difficult for families to compete for private rented accommodation if rents are increasing. On the western seaboard, I hope the Airbnb measures will make a difference. Part of the problem, particularly in Galway, is that many properties are being used to provide accommodation for tourists when they could be made available in the long-term rental sector.

The countries that have been most successful in addressing housing crises are the ones in which the state has built more public housing for working people and vulnerable groups. On the issue of urban Ireland versus rural Ireland, local councils need to build their expertise and funds, as well as the accommodation stock.

There is a range of aftercare supports provided by homeless services. Focus Ireland does a lot of work with families when they come out of homelessness, for example. One of the challenges for such a family is the having the ability to hold down a home as they could have become institutionalised when in the homeless services. Simon Communities does this with single people who have gone through addiction, emotional or mental health issues. However, some families do not need that support and are resilient. They might spend a shorter time homeless and get out of it quickly. However, there are others, particularly those who are homeless for longer, who tend to be more vulnerable. There is probably a need for a mapping of services versus need. The Deputy is correct that the children and young people’s services committees, CYPSCs, are the ideal location for it.