David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I join Government and Opposition Senators in expressing sadness and shock at the death of Jonathan Corrie at a spot very close to Leinster House. It is tragically symbolic that Mr. Corrie died only a few yards away from the national Parliament of this State. Only last week the Government announced its housing policy and the investment plan relating thereto. However, that announcement did not include anything with regard to emergency measures designed to deal with the homelessness crisis. I commend the Leader on arranging a debate on homelessness tomorrow. I also commend Senator Craughwell on working with the Leader to facilitate that debate.

I agree with Senator Moran that we do not want any more talking in respect of this issue. What we want from the relevant Minister is a clear plan of action regarding the investment that is going to be made. Last week I attended a briefing given by representatives from the Simon Community who referred again - in very dramatic terms - to the homelessness crisis. They also referred to many issues relating to housing, including the rent caps and limits which are causing major difficulties for many families and which are forcing people to enter substandard accommodation. We need to discuss a range of issues in the context of this matter. One cannot walk from this building to Grafton Street in the evenings without passing six or seven people who are homeless. That is the reality.

I accept that this is a complex issue and that there is no magical solution to it, particularly because some people who are homeless have mental health difficulties or addiction problems. I am very conscious that we need to be mindful of the fact that there are myriad issues which arise in the context of homelessness. I welcome tomorrow evening's debate, in which I hope to participate.

My second point relates to the strike in which post-primary school teachers are engaging today. This matter was raised in an eloquent manner by Senator O'Donnell, who referred to the external examination issue. I agree with the points the Senator made. In general, teachers are being asked to perform miracles in under-resourced schools. Now they are being asked to assist in the implementation of reforms without being given access to proper training or adequate resources. The request they are making is reasonable. I drove to the Houses this morning via St. Stephen's Green and I saw teachers who are on strike today walking up and down on one of the footpaths. That is not where teachers want to be. They want to be in the classroom, rather than out on strike. In that context, I support the call for the Minister for Education and Skills to come before the House this issue with us.

I again take the opportunity to commend the Leader on ensuring that the Minister of State with responsibility for housing will come before the Seanad tomorrow to discuss the issue of homelessness.