Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien stated there must be a game changer on homelessness and the tragic death of Mr. Corrie has presented Members with an opportunity as a catalyst for action. While of course a long-term plan is needed and of course the causes of homelessness are deep and varied, an emergency response is also needed. I do not know how anybody sleeps out at night. I was delighted to hear messages coming through to the effect that the Catholic Church is offering 68 emergency places for the homeless. If nothing else is done until the long-term solutions kick in, as a nation we should ensure that each homeless person has an emergency home, be it through the empty buildings of NAMA or any vacant buildings. I will also await the debate tomorrow evening.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to invite the Minister for Education and Skills into the House regarding the teachers' strikes.