Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This question concerns the changing nature of homelessness. There is a major crisis in some parts of the country, including my constituency. In 2011 I recall seeing one homeless family and one single homeless person. In the past month alone, however, I have seen five homeless families, with children being taken out of school. They are normal families one would never consider as being homeless. I have been contacted by 18 more people who are within weeks of becoming homeless. Kildare County Council tells me some 50 families have sought emergency accommodation so far this year. I am talking about families, not single persons. The council has stated the situation is the worst it has ever seen. The issue is really urgent at this stage.

See this speech in context