Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are currently more than 2,600 children in homelessness. This figure does not include the children in direct provision centres or domestic violence refuges. We know that the true figure is much higher. In 2015, there were 880 children in homelessness. That is an increase of 200% in just five years. The Minister will note my language. I did not say "homeless children", I referred to "children in homelessness". Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, the Greens and successive Governments since the 1990s have forced these children into homelessness. The Minister of State has accepted this Bill. We will see how it works out. Unfortunately, however, he has responsibility at the moment. This Government's policies have taken away these children's childhoods, with untold long-term impacts on their development, mental health and later life outcomes.

It is the greatest shame of our country in modern days.

Last week the book Homeless Storieswas published by Emu Ink. The book contains the accounts of 20 children, aged between five and 13 years, who have been in homeless accommodation, including in direct provision, during the Covid pandemic. Proceeds from the sales will go to Depaul's families and young people support services. The book is available for €12 at emucourses.ie. I have taken some of the excerpts published in the Irish Examinerlast week to read into the Dáil record. I strongly encourage all Ministers to go out and buy the book. Eight-year-old Charley from Dublin said:

Once back in our room, I had no space to play or have any fun and even when I tried to play with my toys my little brother would wreck them. This made my heart very sad. My teacher sent me some ... books. This cheered me up because I love to read.

Ten-year-old Kasey said:

I loved having a friend in the hotel because it made the time go quickly and I didn't feel alone. I've had three birthdays and two Christmases living in the hotel now but this Christmas could be our first in a new home. I wanted to tell my story because if there's another family who move into our hotel room when we finally get to move out, I wanted them to know that they're not alone.

I wish to mention also the #DontForgetMecampaign, which is highlighting the shockingly high numbers of deaths of people in homelessness this year. Some 56 lives have been tragically lost on our streets and in our emergency accommodation this year. Any needless death, such as that of Jonathan Corrie across the road in 2014, is a disgrace to our nation, and these figures are completely unacceptable.

This Bill seeks to amend the Housing Act 1988 in order to provide a legal definition of "persons at risk of homelessness". This is vitally important. I am glad there is support for the Bill and that the Government has taken it on board and will make sure it is implemented. We will measure the Government's performance in that regard in the coming period.

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