Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to get into a political back-and-forth with Deputy Cian O'Callaghan; he knows exactly what I said. I said the trend has been absolutely in the right direction. The number is still far too high; there is no question about that. Monthly figures on families, children and individuals who are homeless will be published on Friday and I expect to see a further reduction.

The figure has increased in some cohorts over the month. We will take the figures year on year, so I will not go down that road with the Deputy. I have explained why I cannot accept the amendments. We have to stay focused on extending the provisions. I have nothing more to say on amendments Nos. 4 to 9, inclusive, and I will not be accepting them.

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