Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are over 64,000 people in receipt of rent allowance. The difficulty is that while supply takes time, there are 1,570 children living in emergency accommodation. They have no place to play or do their homework and are without any of the facilities one needs to enjoy a normal childhood. Rents nationally are in excess of 20% above rent supplement levels for a typical property. In urban areas the gap is wider, up to 40% in some cases. Does the Minister of State agree that, while controlling rent increases may assist some people at risk of losing their homes, it will not do anything for those who are already homeless?

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