Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

It is extraordinary that a Bill on housing does not contain a definition of homelessness and has little or no mention of homelessness. The Minister of State should take on board the amendments that we have put forward. People are putting forward amendments to improve the Bill. We would welcome the acceptance of such amendments or an assurance from the Minister of State that he will put down an amendment on Report Stage to deal with homelessness. We certainly cannot let the Bill go through the House without a proper definition of homelessness.

It has been mentioned that 3,000 people are on the streets, but the agencies claim the figure is much higher than that. I would be inclined to believe the agencies that are working with homeless people across the country.