Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I extend my thanks to my colleague, Deputy Ó Broin, not just for this Private Members' business, which I know he has worked on with other Members of the Opposition, but also for his continued work in this area, which I think we can all agree is very valuable. The Minister and I know that this is sensible legislation. It is, I imagine, legislation that will be relatively easy for him not to oppose. I hope he will not do what the Government is so fond of doing, that is, not necessarily opposing something, but will actually support the Bill and take action to ensure that it is incorporated into legislation at the very next available opportunity.

We know that figures show that there has been an increase in the homeless numbers for the fifth consecutive month in a row. We know from the Simon Communities and the report they have published that there has been a 79% decrease in the availability of properties with housing assistance payment rates.

This is a real problem. The best way to prevent people form turning up to my office and that of the Minister when they are in that desperate situation, just about to lose their home and having no option, is to pass this legislation and give them that time. The Minister will know from our constituency that it is an issue that we see almost on a daily basis. I do not know about him, but not a week that goes by in my office where we do not encounter people who are desperately in need of this legislation to be passed and for the Government to be as good as its word when it says that it will take action. The Government must take action and ensure the legislation is passed. I hope the Minister will clarify, in his remarks, not just his own position, but how he intends to ensure it will be given effect. It is not good enough for him to say that he does not oppose it; we, and the people who are facing homelessness, need to hear him say that he will support it and be proactive.

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