Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As per the Minister's commitment, additional beds will be brought on stream should the need arise. The Government shares this commitment. The Minister recently updated the Cabinet on how the protocol had worked. I take the opportunity to pay tribute to all of the voluntary and advocacy organisations which worked on this issue with officials of the local authorities and the Department. I am sure the Deputy is aware that the teams dealing with the emergency housing and homelessness problems have been meeting on a regular basis to review what has been achieved under the pre-Christmas initiative. Initiatives such as the night café and transport provision have been very successful. In recent weeks I have been engaged in discussions on the problems that have arisen in some hostels. I understand the Deputy who raised the issue has been in contact with the manager of the homeless services about the specific situation that arose.

The Government is determined, should additional capacity be required, to provide it.

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