Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The social policy and public service reform division of the Department of the Taoiseach is a very important one. I understand the position of assistant secretary, the most senior in the division, is now vacant. When will it be filled?

I join others who have spoken about the announcement that two citizens of our country, rough sleepers, have been found dead on the streets in recent days. On my behalf and on behalf of the party, I send condolences to the friends and families involved. There are 8,000 homeless people, 3,000 of whom are children. The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has said that these statistics will worsen and that speaks volumes of itself.

Rough sleepers should be an isolated policy focus for the Government. This is a very complex issue and the solution is not simply housing. That is why the wraparound supports of the Housing First model have been recommended. This is the most urgent focus we need. What will the Government do to ensure that the needs of the 180 plus people who are rough sleepers will be addressed?

See this speech in context