Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister will introduce a vacant site levy as soon as he can. By 9 December, there will be three new hostels open in Dublin with 210 extra beds. The new rental strategy will be presented to the Dáil in the next few weeks. That is based on security, supply, standards and services. This city is the most affected area but it is not the only place in which there is a homelessness problem, as Deputy Ryan is well aware. I am sure that he can get all of the detail from the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. The detail is extensive.

The problem has been exacerbated by the shortage of supply of proper accommodation and that is why Government has focused on the rough sleepers, the homeless, those in hotel rooms and bed and breakfasts and those who are becoming homeless because of elements of the rental strategy. All of these five pillars are proceeding together. It is the most extensive and comprehensive programme to deal with the housing shortage, housing supply, rough sleepers, homeless people and all other forms. We hope that this Christmas and this winter, there is nobody on the streets who is looking for a bed and that there is an opportunity in those very complex cases to continue the Housing First programme and bring them to a location in which the services can be provided around them to give them the opportunity of having their own place.

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