Ms Mary Hayes:

The first point was about shared accommodation. We did that in conjunction with the HSE, gradually over time. When the Covid restrictions lifted, we went back to what capacity we were paying for. We operate strictly within the guidelines for emergency accommodation. It is difficult and we know that shared accommodation for anybody is difficult. It is not desirable. In Dublin, we would be quite constrained if we did not use emergency accommodation. I know how difficult it is for people. It was done over a period. We have gradually brought back up anything that was reduced during Covid. In some cases, we have reduced overall capacity, so even if we had agreed terms for 100 beds at one point, sometimes we have not been able to get back up to that capacity of 100 because we have lowered the capacity on the advice of the HSE regarding infection control and standards.

Regarding whether we should replicate what is happening, I will support anything that will deliver housing. I worry about whether the same supply teams are going to be resourced and whether there will be a different result just because new things have been added for them to do. Anything that delivers supply will have my vote.