Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Sinn Féin for putting forward this motion. In November, Ireland had 13,514 people, including 4,105 children, in emergency or homeless accommodation, according to the Department of housing. The homelessness crisis in Ireland is growing due to this Government's lack of action. This is causing distress for many people, especially children, and is now considered a national problem. Those facing housing insecurity are being overlooked by the political system. In November 2023, the number of homeless people was 335 higher than in the previous month and 17% higher than in November 2022. Since the current Government took office in the summer of 2020, homelessness in Ireland has increased significantly. The number of homeless individuals has risen from 8,702 to 13,514, an increase of 55.3%. Including all those in hostels and rough sleepers, the actual number of homeless people is closer to 20,000. Many others are forced to live in their childhood bedrooms or to rely on family and friends. The true extent of Ireland's homelessness crisis is much greater than the recorded 55% increase since this Government came to power. This shows a growing crisis and a Government that seems uncaring.

Despite promises, the Government has failed to reduce homelessness. This failure has left thousands without a stable home, highlighting the need for effective solutions and a commitment to tackling homelessness. The Government's handling of the homelessness crisis lacks decisive action and fails to prioritise the needs of the vulnerable. The Government is neglecting the basic needs of Irish citizens. The number of children in emergency accommodation in Ireland has surpassed 4,000 for the first time. This alarming statistic shows the Government's failure to address the homelessness crisis effectively.

We can also look at bigger issues such as people objecting, which Deputy Healy-Rae has spoken about. To be quite honest, that is an outrageous scandal regardless of where the objections are coming from. People seem to be literally driving around looking at planning proposals and putting in objections to people's applications. There is a situation in my constituency, and probably in every other constituency, with planning permissions and nobody in this Government is willing to tackle it. People want to get out on their own. They have found their own loans, have their own bit of ground at home and are willing to go through everything required for planning permission but they are being hit with one snag after another in a brutal effort to make sure they do not get a home on their own farm.

Last year, we put forward a proposal regarding log cabins. The Rural Independent Group was proud to do that. That would at least help with the situation. If everybody was singing from the same hymn sheet, the numbers would start to reduce. However, if they are not, they will not. Permission for log cabins is refused. They could be a good start for a young person or couple starting out. I know many young couples who started out in log cabins at the bottom of the garden. Nobody knew they were there and no objections were made. However, if they go through the planning process, the planners object to them. There are many solutions that would help but the Government is not working towards those solutions.

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