Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of homeless figures. Some 415 families, including 893 children, registered as homeless in the last quarter for which figures are available. That is a significant increase on the previous quarter, when only 383 families presented as homeless in the capital. Senators are aware that supply is the underlying issue. However, I have raised this issue in the House every week since I was elected and have seen little improvement in that regard. Land in the St. Michael's Estate area of Inchicore, the area with which these girls are concerned, has been lying vacant for almost a decade and a half. There is a great deal of talk about housing being built but nothing has materialised and that is of great concern. The students in the Gallery are concerned. This is not a matter about which children should be concerned. They should not have to worry about homeless figures and people in their class looking for homes. It is not right for them to take those concerns on board at such a young age. I have a concern regarding the plan of the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, to deal with rough sleeping over the winter months. It often becomes a crisis at the last minute even though we know it is on the way. What is the rough sleeping plan for the capital for the coming months?

I congratulate the GAA on hurling and camogie being added to the UNESCO list of protected cultural activities. They are among the oldest and fastest field sports in the world. The GAA deserves credit on receiving this accolade.