Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Ó Murchú for asking for this debate and I acknowledge the Leader for facilitating it. All the organisations that have been mentioned such as the Simon Community and the Peter McVerry Trust should be commended for the work they do. I cannot understand how people can motivate themselves on a wet winter's night to go out knocking on doors on behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and to hand over cheques without asking questions and while accepting the humanity of those who are in these homes and the poverty in which they may be living. I am particularly struck by centres that take in mothers and children who have been subject to domestic violence. Unfortunately, there are not enough of those facilities.

I would like to focus on the micro-charitable work that is being done. Senators Mullins and Ó Murchú have both referred to the volunteers from organisations who go out at night on to our streets. I have had experience of dealing with alcoholics and it is pretty harrowing to see people so dehumanised that all they crave is the next drink and to try to find humanity in oneself to understand that. That is difficult to do with somebody one loves. I cannot understand how young kids volunteering on behalf of these organisations go out every night with soup, sleeping bags and blankets. When I walk down Grafton Street or another street in Dublin and I see somebody curled up in a doorway, I think for a moment, "My God, is that not awful?" and then I turn my head the other way because I am so petrified that one day I could end up there because there is a thin line between what keeps us comfortable in our lives and what drives us over the edge.

Senator Ó Murchú eloquently described how when families break down, hopelessness creeps in where once there was happiness and hope. It is difficult to look at a guy lying on a street corner somewhere in a wet sleeping bag, probably after defecating himself, without any hope and with nothing to think of but drink or drugs the following morning. These lovely young volunteers then come along and give them tea and bread.

I compliment the Government parties in so far as they have tried to provide accommodation but, sadly, we need to find a way of giving these people rooms which they can lock overnight and which make them feel secure. Peter McVerry says every time he speaks to me that many of the young homeless people feel safer on the street than in a hostel. I do not know how to tackle that.

I join colleagues in commending the work being done by these charitable groups. Perhaps Senator Mullins is correct that there are one or two too many and that money going on the salaries of the chief executive officers would be better spent on the ground. That is a debate for another day but, as we approach Christmas, we should remember a few things. The first is the excitement in children's eyes as they walk through shopping centres looking at toys and so on. Can people imagine what it must be like to be the mother or father of children who cannot do this or who if they can, have nothing to look forward to? I agree with Senators Mullins and Ó Murchú that we should, if we can, send a few bob that way over the Christmas. It is not just for Christmas; it will go on forever more.