Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party)
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This is one of the most fruitful and beneficial meetings of the joint committee that I have attended. It is very useful to have an evidence based report and I note also that we are already discussing what we, as legislators, can do to advance some of the issues under discussion.

Does Focus Ireland intend carrying out an analysis in other counties? Can the findings of the report be extrapolated nationwide or are there likely to be differences in other counties? I am a Green Party Senator from Waterford. I met Mr. David Niblock, Focus Ireland's south east co-ordinator, about a year ago when we visited some of the housing the organisation provides. I am concerned about the energy standards that apply when renovations are being carried out. We need to provide cosy homes for tenants. The Government should provide additional funding to ensure the accommodation offered by Focus Ireland to people who need housing is of good quality in terms of energy efficiency.

I have some concerns. The witnesses spoke about systems change and a change in culture. How will this come about? Members have been given some tasks that would help change the system. I am concerned because the cost of living is increasing. Will the gap between the haves and haves-not increase in the next three years? We have a problem with supply and homelessness has become a concern. The word "resilience" and the actions being taken to build resilience jumped out of the reports. It is extremely important that the Government recognises the importance of the educational aspect to avoid the crisis that people are experiencing.

The Acting Chairman, Deputy Ó Broin, spoke about strike-off. In County Waterford people who refuse accommodation based on their personal circumstances, for example, because a child has a disability, are being struck off. Some of these cases are complex. What can be done to ensure local authorities recognise that people presenting as homeless are not just a number in their little red books but individuals with complex cases who need to be shown respect on that basis?

I thank the witnesses for their presentations, which have given members some clear direction. What more can the Government do to support Focus Ireland and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in light of the importance of the work they do?