John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also want to commend Deputy Byrne on bringing forward what is a most relevant and timely motion given more than 3,500 children are experiencing homelessness. Despite reassurances from the Government that it has plans in place to deal with this, I see no sign of the situation abating in the short term or medium term, unfortunately. The first priority for any child unfortunate enough to enter homelessness is to keep him or her in the same school to continue his or her education. It would be necessary, first of all, to try to place the family in temporary accommodation to allow that to happen.

The Minister's reply stated there is interaction between his Department and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. I suggest that needs to go further. There should be direct interaction with each homeless unit in each local authority. The people in those units know the exact situation on the ground. They also know the most suitable accommodation that would facilitate the child remaining in the school he or she is already going to. I ask the Minister to extend that interaction with each local authority to try to ensure the child is kept in the same school. The school would then be a place providing some level of happiness and security to the child while he or she is experiencing the very unfortunate situation of homelessness.

Other funding supports are also needed. I refer to education and nutritional supports. Those are critical. Bed and breakfast accommodation and hotels are not ideal places to provide the correct type of nutrition for a child. They could, however, receive properly nutritious food in an educational setting and that would be very helpful. Psychological and well-being supports are also very much needed. As mentioned by previous speakers, the extension of the July education provision for those experiencing learning difficulties and autism are other practical measures that could be taken on board to help those unfortunate children having to transition to and deal with homelessness. The school would be then, at least, a place of happiness and security while they are getting back into a secure environment.

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