Mr. Colm Campbell:

The initial effect of the Covid pandemic is that we kept it out of the hostels and homes for a long time. Of late, Covid-19 is getting more prevalent and we had a case quite recently. However, our homes had to become more restrictive. What was normal in our homes two to three years ago, social interaction and being able to come and go, could not happen. Many of our residents found it challenging. There is little doubt about that. Our veterans support centres and our branches were all but closed, but we met remotely. What Mr. O'Connor did, and I will ask him to talk about it, was equip our welfare officers with mobile telephones, IT systems and so forth. He set up WhatsApp groups to keep veterans in contact. Remember that many of our veterans are quite elderly, but their ability to transition to new platforms is extraordinary.

From a financial point of view, it affected our fundraising. I am looking at the figures in our audited account. Our collections in 2019 were €142,000. In 2020, it was €288. It went from €142,000 to €288. I must say, on a positive note, the Covid stability funds through Pobal gave us great assistance.

What we are looking for is in respect of our future residents, the people who may not be homeless today but who might become homeless tomorrow or the day after. There is an increase in rental costs after Covid-19. The costs of purchasing or renting houses are only going one way. Then there are the social pressures on families because of Covid. There is an increase in gambling, alcohol abuse and drug abuse. There is also the stress of Covid on families. Approximately 50% of our residents, and I am open to correction on that figure, arrive because of family break up. I believe that is quite standard in the homelessness sector throughout the country.

There are impacts on many levels. On a positive level, we certainly thank the Government for the funding we received through the Pobal scheme. However, as we transition out of Covid, and I realise the transition is probably going to be a lot longer than we expected, that is where the real challenges will lie.