Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It is very unfortunate that we have reached this situation and that questions on this matter cannot be answered. It is an utter disaster and a mess in terms of these local projects that are due to be delivered. It is really unfortunate we have reached this situation.

I will go on to another question I want to ask. We have not raised the issue of homelessness. The Minister said it will be difficult to prevent reaching the point where 5,000 children are homeless. Does he accept that it would be an absolute failure if we did reach the point at which 5,000 children are homeless? Are there measures the Minister could take on an emergency basis that would ensure we do not reach that figure? Surely in respect of the Minister’s legacy, he cannot stand over our reaching 5,000 children being homeless.