Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have been talking about it for years. Simon and Threshold came before the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage yesterday. The homelessness figures are only the tip of the iceberg considering how many people are affected. Families are staying in their parents and grandparents houses because they have nowhere to go. They cannot get money for a mortgage.

I wish to discuss the lived reality for people. I know of a lady who has a life-limiting blood disorder. She is facing eviction on Friday. She will overstay because she has nowhere to go. She is on permanent chemotherapy and, as a result, broke one of her legs due to weakness caused by the medication. Where is she going to go? The Minister of State has not answered these questions. Over nine months, 1,500 families in Cork were given notices to quit. Where are they going to go?

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