Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I hope to have a full debate shortly when the Minister is available. Otherwise the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, and I can have this debate at the Ballinasloe fair next weekend. The Government's policy statement from February 2013 declared, "It is the Government's aim to end long-term homelessness by the end of 2016". I fully support the statement but the chief executive of the Simon Community has said that the homelessness and rough sleeping crisis is worse than ever now. He said that we are in the worst of times and that the Government must decide its policy on housing because no one is building houses. He stated: "The homeless fella on the street can't afford private-rented accommodation. Rents are going up, rent allowance caps are coming down all the time, there's no extra accommodation being provided. It's a complete logjam".

I read a quotation in the newspapers yesterday to the effect that the number of people sleeping rough on the streets of Dublin has increased by 88% in the past year. I raised the matter with the Taoiseach yesterday in respect of promised legislation and he replied that the housing assistance Bill is due in early 2014. I understand there may further legislation as well and I am keen to know when it will be ready. The Taoiseach also remarked that the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, would be meeting NAMA concerning the potential of acquiring units of housing. Perhaps the Minister of State could give details of the meeting which, I understand, took place yesterday, and any steps to be taken to deal with this important issue.

In recent weeks I attended the launch of housing reports by the Peter McVerry Trust and Focus Ireland. They outlined the challenges that are facing the homeless and the organisations themselves as well as raising the issue of youth homelessness. I understand the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is reviewing a youth homelessness strategy and I seek information on that as well. There is an issue of oversight. The Minister has appointed an oversight group which was established to monitor and measure progress. This is an urgent matter and it needs an urgent response.

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