Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It was recently reported that Edel House, a shelter in Cork that deals with women and children, had to turn away 281 children last year. This reflects how serious the problem is in Cork. A number of families have told me that they are worried about registering as homeless, particularly those that are in contact with Tusla, be it for whatever reason. Good families, doing the best for their children, are worried about registering as homeless and availing of emergency accommodation because they fear how Tusla will view it. Will the Minister assure the House that the Department and Tusla will contact emergency homeless services and ensure that they will make every effort, in all circumstances, to house family units together?

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