Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has asked three separate questions. First, she asked about homelessness and the pre-Christmas initiative for those who are homeless and using emergency hostel accommodation. In all fairness, I answered that question. I said that before Christmas not all of the beds were used but, once the new year arrived, they were. I also said should more beds be needed, they will be provided. I gave a commitment to the Deputy as did the Minister and the Government. That has nothing to do with public relations. Most of us know the people in question have difficulties in their personal lives, issues around substances and, in some cases, mental health issues. In all fairness, I answered the first part of the Deputy’s question.

She then added two supplementary questions, one about families. Since the protocol in operation with organisations such as Threshold has been initiated, it has assisted 400 families in getting or retaining accommodation. To emphasise for anyone listening to this debate, if a family or an individual fear they are at risk of becoming homeless because, say, the landlord may have raised the rent, if they contact Threshold, their local authority or their community welfare service, they will be able to discuss what appropriate assistance can be given. I already said to the Deputy that I sat down last week with staff from my Department to assess how the protocol is working.

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