Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

The Labour Party supports this Bill. Our amendments are tabled with the intention of improving the thrust of the legislation. I compliment Senator Doherty on providing a definition of homelessness and the Labour Party will support its inclusion. Clarity is required and we have seen from the exchange between Senators Doherty and Norris that there are issues relating to mobile homes and overcrowded dwellings. Regarding mobile homes, I understand Senator Doherty refers to the type of mobile homes found in people's back gardens which are without access to sanitation or water supplies. These are in place because the eldest son or daughter of the family cannot avail of housing elsewhere. As Senator Norris noted, there are examples of very good mobile homes, linked to sanitation supply, near shops and which are in effect reasonable dwellings. However, the definition should have greater clarity. The mobile homes referred to in the amendment are more likely to be unserviced and in place because of a real need on the part of the occupants.

Regarding the definition of overcrowding, there are many cases of which Senators are aware whereby young families must share rooms in their parents' houses. In such cases the young people concerned may start a family and may be unable to find accommodation. In some cases they end up sharing a bed with their young children because of the lack of social and affordable houses in certain areas. This issue must be addressed. At present overcrowding is usually just taken as one criterion in the assessment for whether a person should be housed from the social housing list. We need to strengthen the definition and I welcome the inclusion of this amendment, which I support.