Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I might start with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive. I thank it for the 2023 at-a-glance document. It is positive to hear of all of the preventions because sometimes that message does not get out there. It is good that the tenant in situ scheme is working. I hear what Ms Hayes is saying about homeless HAP. I suppose an increase in properties available needs to come on the market and that will only come on the market as more homes are developed. I thank the Department and the officials for all they are doing to put that plan in action.

I am slightly confused. There was a 2% decrease in the number of new presentations, there was a 6% increase in the number of households who exited homelessness but there was an overall 12% rise. How does that happen if the number of presentations is reducing and the number of people exiting homelessness is increasing? Will Ms Hayes explain the mechanics of it?

Is it to do with particular needs, or is it a matter of families versus individuals?