Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I assure Deputy Joan Collins that our Department takes this matter seriously. It is right that homelessness, along with the challenges we face in addressing it, are discussed here today. The death of any person accessing homeless services is a matter of deep concern to us all. I want to express my sympathies again to the families and friends of loved ones who have found themselves in such tragic circumstances. I also want to recognise the work being done on the ground by local authorities, service providers and NGOs.

We need to know more about the deaths of the people availing of homeless services. It is right that the review is being undertaken. I want to reiterate that addressing homelessness is a priority for the Government. We are investing in additional resources. Significant numbers of households continue to exit homelessness and to own a home each month. We will continue to build on the good work already being done in this area. I recognise that behind all statistics and figures are human beings or real people. We must not forget this.

The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and our Department is taking this matter seriously. I take on board the Deputy's point on the eviction ban. It has been an effective emergency measure. We will certainly give consideration to the matters raised about Airbnb properties.

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We are making every effort with our partners, local government and the NGOs to ensure we reduce homelessness and eliminate it if possible.

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