Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

That is the reason I raised it. It is something new that has come to my attention. Identifying the legislation that is governing this is causing me a problem with local authorities. I will contact Threshold. I know local authorities have also been in contact with Threshold but it is just to come back on that.

My final question may have been answered. I will put on record, as I did when I previously spoke about homelessness, the terrific work staff in Kildare County Council do. Where are we with outreach at present? I know of families that have now been offered accommodation two or three counties away, at distances where they cannot accommodate their school issues, including getting their children to school every morning. Again, is there co-operation whereby someone from Dublin will go to a place in Dublin rather than, say, someone from south Kildare going to Dublin? Is that co-operation there when it comes to homeless services? Is it just a fact that people will go to the hotel that may be available or, more importantly, has the space to take in a family? It is causing a lot of stress for families when they are offered accommodation that is 50, 60 and, in some cases, 70 or 80 miles away from where they are, where their base is, and where their family supports may or may not be. Most importantly, however, the school system for their children is causing them a lot of stress. Is that improving or is it still the case, given the huge numbers involved, that people are taking what they can get?