Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses participating today. It is probably important to point out that while this item has been on our work plan for some time, the "RTÉ Investigates” programme that was aired recently has focused the minds of the public on it. The stories of Joe, Natalie and Dan show the complexity with which Ms Leahy, Dr. Burns and many others in the homeless sector have been dealing for a long time. There is complexity and there are those with varying capacities to negotiate what is a very difficult process.

I echo Senator Moynihan's comments on having worked with Mr. Kenny and on all those in the homeless services. Mr. Kenny should note I was a little taken aback by the conversation I heard between Joe Nolan and the operator on the “RTÉ Investigates” programme because it did not reflect my general experience. I noted the words that were said. It is important to reflect on this. Joe Nolan started the call by stating his name and that he was looking for a bed for the night. A number of short questions, which were not broadcast, were asked and then Joe asked what the story was with getting somewhere for the night. The operator started his response with, "Wow, I can't book you anywhere here tonight." "Wow" is an extraordinary word to start a sentence with. Then Joe went on to say he was 59, pushing 60, and the operator responded, “Hang on a minute now. Excuse me, in fairness, you haven't rung here before. Exactly that’s the problem. I don’t need your story because, you know, you can ring the system any time." Joe then said, "You don’t need my story." The operator replied, "You have registered in Carlow so you should interact with them. Now that you are in Dublin we can’t do anything for you." “RTÉ Investigates” then indicated that the operator ended the call by hanging up. "We can’t do anything for you" does not reflect my experience of how the DRHE finishes a phone call. I am surprised by it. It is important that Mr. Kenny comment on it because people must have confidence in the service.