Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

It is beyond me how young peoples can afford mortgages in this day and age. Even if both partners work, it is difficult and sometimes impossible for many to purchase a property. This is a damning indictment of the policies the Government has pursued.

The Minister of State said that funding in the homelessness sector had increased from €12 million to €51 million, which is welcome. However, our policies are still failing. We have only scratched the surface in terms of tackling homelessness. As has been stated, one need only walk 40 m or 50 m from the gates of Leinster House any night of the week to see people living rough and sleeping in doorways. I ask the Minister of State what the Government is doing about it.