Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like to raise three matters, the first of which is the closure of a homeless hostel. The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive has informed us of the imminent closure of Brú Aimsire on Thomas Street, which is run by a charity called DePaul Ireland. We want to know whether there will be adequate provision of emergency beds. Where will these people sleep from now on? The hostel is full most evenings and people are worried because they do not know where they will be accommodated. I call for a discussion on this in the House because it is quite worrying for people who rely on homeless hostel services in this city.

The second issue relates to a stabbing last night the Liberties. I raised the issue of knife crime last week. There has been a serious increase in the incidence of knife crime in this city but nothing is being done about it. There was a stabbing on O'Connell Street and two stabbings in Cherry Orchard and then this stabbing last night where a young lady in her 30s was stabbed in her home. This epidemic of knife crime is very concerning but we have done nothing about it. We need to consider offences in regard to the sale, purchase and possession of knives. We need to tackle this issue because it is a growing one. I hope I do not have to raise it again next week.

The third issue I wish to raise is today's strike by 10,000 health support workers. A further strike is planned for next week. A pay rise has been agreed and it is incumbent on the Government to stand over what it agreed to as part of the Lansdowne Road agreement. It is unfair that these workers must go on strike. Ultimately, it is the patients who are affected by this action. I call on the Minister for Health to be proactive and engage with SIPTU to ensure the strike planned for next week does not go ahead because patients and this country cannot afford any more industrial action in the health service.