Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raise this issue because there are 1,200 children in homeless accommodation who are attending primary school and 600 children who are attending secondary school. Those figures are from Focus Ireland.

I was glad to hear the Minister mention school completion. I am a big advocate of that programme but its funding has been cut massively in recent years. It is struggling as it is so I do not see how it would be able to take on the extra burden of dealing with children in homeless accommodation unless its funding is increased. If that is the case it would be a welcome statement.

I am well aware of the position with regard to DEIS but only 55% of children in this situation are in DEIS schools, which means that 45% - nearly half - fall out of that system. The Minister mentioned Tusla and NEPS but not everything will fall within their remit. I cannot see Tusla dealing with practical situations such as children trying to get to and from school or children being unable to concentrate because they are not getting adequate sleep due to living in one room with their family, not getting an opportunity to complete work and being completely exhausted from the experience. I do not see Tusla playing a role in that. If it is, I would welcome that and the Minister might provide further information on it.

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