Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Much of the Taoiseach's response was about what we would describe as traditional homelessness, which is, obviously, a major ongoing issue that needs to be addressed. This is entirely new territory involving families who one would never have expected to become homeless. I read an article by Kitty Holland yesterday which stated that in 2012 the Dublin authorities had spent €455,000 in looking after families that had presented to them. This year they expect to spend €4.5 million on bed and breakfast accommodation, which is an inadequate solution. This does not even make economic sense. Somebody presenting to the sections dealing with the homeless in Kildare and other locations, even with a child, is not necessarily offered a place in bed and breakfast accommodation, a hotel or other accommodation. He or she is told to find his or her family or a friend. What will happen during the summer when big concerts like the Garth Brooks concerts take place and all of these hotel rooms are absorbed? Ironically, there are so many on housing waiting lists that one could fill Croke Park for three nights in a row. I know things are difficult economically and that this is a legacy issue, but does the Government have a bottom line? Surely in 2014 the bottom line is that one will not allow a family with children to present as homeless and sleep in a car? Surely the provision of shelter is one area in which there is a point beyond which one does not allow families and children to fall? Will the Taoiseach give a commitment that the Government will recommence large-scale building? Even if he were to announce building today, not one of the houses would be delivered before the Government finished its term of office. Will the Government buy properties in locations where there is the greatest pressure? It is not just a question of reviewing rent caps. There must be much more flexibility within them. It is not just people in Dublin who are affected; others in other areas also need a review.

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