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

I want to again raise emergency accommodation with the Taoiseach today. I do so for two main reasons. The first is that I am generally concerned about the standard of these buildings but also about capacity issues. I note from a previous response that responsibility for the provision of emergency accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with the local authorities. Unfortunately, from the work I have been doing, it appears they are struggling and are in crisis mode. I mentioned that to the Taoiseach previously. At this point, the system is not working. At this stage, I speak to the homeless action team nearly daily. There is a number of people who I cannot get into emergency accommodation. They are in cars or staying with families. The best way to put it to the Taoiseach is that they are at breaking point. We hear about these cases and each one of us takes them home with us. That is a point that has been made to me. Is there anything the Taoiseach can do in respect of oversight?

There is also a need for inspections outside of the Dublin region. A write-up was done recently about a local case relating to having 24-7 security on a premises. I am assured by the council that it is in fact in place but another constituent has raised the same issue with me. Perhaps I could send the Taoiseach a note in respect of that. There is a major issue with capacity and standards in emergency accommodation.

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