Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is probably aware that the level of unemployment in Wexford is at 20%. We have the highest suicide rate in the country and the third highest rate of teenage pregnancy. We probably have a few more problems than most counties, and I do not deny that there are problems throughout the country. The housing crisis has a direct impact in this area also. It is mainly women and children who end up homeless from a combination of domestic violence and the housing crisis. Recently, we had the launch of the plan to deal with the challenge that is our housing crisis. Regardless of what one thinks of its merits, it is a start. It will not have a serious impact for at least two years but organisations like the Wexford Women's Refuge centre need help now. Too many people will fall through the cracks in the next two years if the problem is not addressed in an active fashion.

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