Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left) | Oireachtas source

These units could deal immediately with those who are homeless currently. There are 1,400 families in emergency accommodation, 168 people or more in Dublin city alone. Whatever we can do in Dublin must be done around the country where similar supports are needed. The Minister was correct in saying that 248 homeless people from the homeless list were provided with long-term accommodation, but the numbers of homeless are rising. Once people cannot pay the rents demanded by rack-renting landlords, we will see more people on the streets. This must be stopped. The only way this can be stopped is to put a cap on rents. There must be rent control and the rent supplement must be raised.

In addition, decent accommodation must be made available. I talk to a homeless man on Marlborough Street regularly. He says he will not go near the hostels because his stuff would be robbed and there are too many problems and there is too much chaos in them. The accommodation being provided must and should be of good quality.

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