Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of meeting students from Dominican College on Griffith Avenue. I had a great discussion with Dearbhla Lawlor and Toby Long. They are leaving certificate students and among the subjects they are studying are politics and society. As part of their leaving certificate course, they undertook a research project to identify and analyse the social and political implications of an issue that affects society today. The issue they chose to investigate and report on was LGBTQI and youth homelessness. Their report is interesting and I will circulate it to all Members. These young people are to be commended on their work.

There were four main findings to the research. LGBTQI young people experiencing homelessness fear violence, stigma and discrimination and this prevents them from accessing homelessness services. The research also examined the mental health impacts this issue has on young people. The lack of quantifiers is important because we all get the monthly report on the homeless statistics. Last month, there were 6,300 homeless people, of whom 2,500 were 18 years of age or younger, in other words, children. However, there are no statistics that quantify LGBTQI. The students also talked about the challenges and barriers that youth homelessness can present for LGBTQI young people in respect of their ability to engage in and complete education. It is a worthwhile piece of work. I have committed to circulating it to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien and the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Part of the Housing for All plan is to eliminate homelessness by 2030. Dearbhla and Toby both welcomed the €20 billion provided for a State-led house-building programme that will deliver more than 90,000 social homes and 60,000 affordable homes. It is often said that people outside this House are ahead of the politicians. These two young people certainly are. They appreciate that their work will be circulated and considered. They would also like, and I believe it is incumbent on everybody in the Opposition to do so, to stop the opposition to Housing for All and the State-led house-building programme being undertaken by this Government, which can lead us to the elimination of homelessness by 2030.