Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As I said, once the new year arrived, the number seeking a bed increased. This was not the case before Christmas, at which time some people, including in the media, were talking about vacancies. Should additional capacity be required, it will be provided.

Deputy Mary Lou McDonald also asked about the provision of additional accommodation and the protocol in this regard. The needs of a significant number of people, particularly families but also including individuals, have been addressed under the protocol. As part of the budget, an ambitious €2.2 billion investment in housing was announced. Detailed regular meetings are ongoing between the Dublin local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government on the implementation of the social housing investment plan which is under way.

See this speech in context