Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Murphy's question was statistical in nature but I acknowledge that, as far as we know, there has been an increase in the number of families declaring themselves homeless or becoming homeless. It is a cause for serious concern. There is the social investment programme, which is directed at families, and it currently operates as a pilot in the Dublin area. It specifically addresses the needs of families becoming homeless, and it is operating this year. The Deputy is raising a real and genuine issue.

We are supplying housing in whatever way we can and there will be approximately 5,000 new housing units this year across a variety of forms. We will continue to use the resources as well as we can to address the needs out there. I acknowledge that certain local authorities, including Kildare, are particularly challenged with these issues.

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