Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this matter today. Homelessness in Ireland is a growing problem not only for the homeless themselves, but also for their families and friends. It causes great stress and worry for all concerned. As a society we have to deal with this issue. It is not an issue for the Government alone but for each and every one of us, from all sides of the political divide and all sections of the community. It is not an issue that should be used for political gain or for playing party politics. It is a human issue first and foremost.

In my home town of Dundalk, I recently visited some of the many voluntary bodies that deal with homelessness. They include the local Simon Community, the local counselling centre in Seatown Place, and St. Patrick's parish soup kitchen in Roden Place. All these organisations are providing a wonderful service and some truly inspirational people give their time to help the homeless around Dundalk.

Although the problem of homelessness is mainly centred in our capital city of Dublin, it is also important to highlight the issue in smaller regional areas and towns. As I said, homelessness is an issue for each and every one of us. As a Government, we will not eradicate the problem of homelessness on our own. Money alone will not solve this matter and neither will raising the rent supplement cap. We need the help and support of all sections of society.

In many cases those who have become homeless have lost all contact with their family and friends. We must try harder as a society to ensure that this does not happen. We must help those families who have sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers or fathers who have become homeless.

We must remove the stigma of homelessness. In many cases people who find themselves homeless cannot face their families or friends, so the problem escalates. This must not be allowed to continue. How can society help to solve the homelessness issue? First and foremost, we need to understand the reasons for homelessness and ask why it is happening. Why are certain sections of society more vulnerable? Why do people make it a choice to be homeless?

The Government is trying to tackle this problem and has made available an extra €10.5 million in funding for accommodation in 2015. Work has started on converting 245 vacant units back to their original state with an additional 410 being converted over the coming four to six months. In addition, funding for housing is being increased by 40% to €800 million in this year's budget. That is an increase of over €230 million on the previous year. The Government is committed to building 7,500 new homes in 2015, as well as contributing €30 million in 2014 in order to make available 1,800 vacant properties for housing needs.

As I have already stated, money alone will not solve this issue. We need to act as a society to ensure that the problem of homelessness in Ireland will eventually become a thing of the past. We need to look out for our families and friends who may be in danger of becoming homeless. We also need to support the many wonderful organisations that are fighting this issue on a daily basis.

In Dundalk, much good work is being done by those voluntary bodies. I recently met volunteers with the St. Patrick's parish soup kitchen who work six days a week. Working alongside the Simon Community and the housing officer, those volunteers are feeding homeless people every day, giving them soup, sandwiches and dinner, as well as runners and other footwear. They ensure that whoever calls does not leave with an empty stomach. Such volunteers may be called by the Simon Community or a housing officer who seek their help in accommodating homeless people. They will ensure that a homeless person gets a bed for the night.

The only funding that voluntary organisations receive is from public donations. The St. Patrick's parish soup kitchen will have church gate collections on Sunday, 20 December in the Dundalk and Blackrock areas. I call on people to support them. That is only one example of the work undertaken by voluntary bodies all over the country. We would be lost without these volunteers.

We must not give up on the homeless who, now more than ever, need our support.

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