Ms Ber Grogan:

There has been a huge increase in spending on private emergency accommodation, which mainly accommodates families with children in households because there are not enough typical hostels and places like that. Getting a place in a family hub or supported temporary accommodation can take a little longer. Yesterday, someone who was at risk of sleeping on the streets with their two-year-old contacted the office for advice and support. I was told there probably was nowhere for them to go and they would just have to keep ringing different helplines. Many people end up sleeping on floors and on couches in people's family homes or with friends, even if it is just to try to get a couple of weeks until they can maybe get into private emergency accommodation or whatever. That is completely unsuitable. It is so traumatic for the parents and children involved. In a rich country such as Ireland, we should not have children experiencing homelessness or experiencing the stress of where they are going to sleep at night.