Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for her reply on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern.

Many single people find it impossible to get on the housing list in some local authority areas. When a separated man goes to court to ask for custody of the children, either partial or full custody, the judge is very quick to ask him whether he has suitable accommodation for them. In most cases these fathers live in bedsits which are not suitable. They will not be housed by the local authority because they still have a share of a family home and in theory they still own part of a house. It is a vicious circle and they are caught offside. This leads to the crazy scenario where many men have to see their children in a shopping centre for an hour or two on a Saturday afternoon. They do not have the appropriate accommodation and they are caught no matter where they turn.