James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue of homelessness has been on the Government agenda for quite some time. I am a member of the Cabinet committee on social policy. As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I am very concerned about the impact of homelessness on children. I am very concerned about the provision of accommodation and that emergency accommodation should reflect, in so far as it can, normality for those families. I accept that many times they do not if there are no cooking facilities, etc.

Equally, I am concerned, as I am sure the Deputy is, about other child protection issues forcing large numbers of people into less than ideal accommodation at times on an emergency basis. While it is necessary to avail of bed and breakfast and other accommodation of that nature on an emergency basis, they do not represent a long-term solution. There have been numerous meetings involving the Minister, Deputy Kelly, and me to address this issue at the Cabinet committee on social policy

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