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

We have had this exchange on many occasions in this House. I acknowledge that homelessness is one of the greatest challenges this Government faces, and we are determined to resolve it. I hope there will co-operation and constructive opposition from people on the other side of this House. The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government published the monthly homeless report for September yesterday. Nationally the number of persons accessing emergency accommodation increased by 171 when compared to August; the report shows an increase of 35 adults and 136 dependents. For the second month in a row, however, family presentations in Dublin are down. It is important to refer to progress as well. The number of new families entering emergency accommodation is also down. Furthermore, in Dublin during September 119 families were prevented from entering emergency accommodation, while 45 families exited emergency accommodation. Despite the high levels of homelessness, results are being achieved. Last year 4,729 adults and their associated children exited homelessness into tenancies. However, we need to do more. We must accelerate exits from homelessness and we have to do more to prevent families becoming homeless in the first place.

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