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

There is a serious challenge for the Government and the Oireachtas in responding to a huge demand for social housing and providing long-term solutions for families, children and individuals who are homeless. It is an emotive topic, but we need to talk about numbers and facts, as well as the emotion. I am not saying we exclude one or the other. The State is not the only one facing this challenge. Last year almost 20,000 households approached housing bodies in Northern Ireland because they considered themselves to be homeless and solutions had to be found there as well as here. It is a challenge many countries are facing and we need to do more. It is unacceptable in Ireland to have children and families living in long-term emergency accommodation - we all accept this - but the way we resolve it must make sense and be legally sound. The legislation I understand Sinn Féin will propose this evening would do nothing retrospectively for families or individuals who are under pressure.

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