Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to speak in support of Focus Ireland's recommendations for the previous Labour Party Bill to address child homelessness, which received cross-party support in this House, to be reintroduced. Emergency accommodation in Clare, for example, has been at full capacity since at least last June. We have a very limited definition of homelessness. That means our figures do not truly reflect the real situation on the ground. The Government said it will increase funding, which is always welcome, but one cannot always just throw money at the local authority and expect it to sort it out. The action teams are expressing that they are doing their very best but we are not seeing increased capacity in a timely manner. The lack of availability of properties is diminishing hope and confidence in people, especially young people and anyone in insecure housing. A direct intervention from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is needed. A good starting point would be for the Government to take these recommendations on board and put the needs of children at the centre of this issue. Will the Government commit to reintroducing the Bill in its summer legislative programme?

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