Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to homelessness we are making some positive progress. For example, rough sleepers are down by approximately 50%. We have put in place much better emergency accommodation and much more comprehensive emergency accommodation, particularly for families but also for individuals. We accept that is simply a temporary solution while the State needs to deliver homes for people through social housing and long-term leasing arrangements. We will focus on this.

The home loan scheme is just getting under way. I do not think the Deputy or anybody else in the House should be asking local authorities to make loans available to people that are not sustainable.

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