Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

The evidence is very disturbing that the number of people presenting to homeless services has risen dramatically over the past 12 months. I would like the debate in this House not to mirror the debate yesterday in the Dáil. I do not want to go into the issues but I would like this House to have an evidenced-based debate, because it is a matter of interest to all sectors of the House, and not one during which people scream and shout at each other claiming to know more homeless people than the next. There is evidence the Government is taking action, particularly with regard to the annual extra provision cold weather shelter rolled out by the Dublin regional homeless executive. I am aware the Government's policy, which is prevention and move on, is based on evidence and international best practice. More than 80% of people in homeless services want a home and are capable of independent living. For anyone to suggest people in homeless services are there because it is a choice is a disgrace.