Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

There is a considerable number of people in emergency accommodation. They have a roof over their heads and they have an integrated care plan to one extent or another. Not all of this accommodation is of a standard I would like, and that is why the Government has decided to adopt a housing-led approach, rather than an approach which puts people into bed and breakfast accommodation or hostels and leaves them there. They can be cared for individually with the help of HSE staff and other staff. I would like to see a situation where a significant number of properties are made available by local authority housing units and by the National Asset Management Agency, especially in our major cities.

There are currently 1,000 children in aftercare, and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is dealing with this issue proactively to ensure that no child is left uncared for in the context of homelessness.

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