Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Ombudsman for Children has raised serious concerns about the 3,472 children who are living in emergency homeless accommodation. I join him in doing so. We often talk about protecting children's rights. Yesterday, the House debated past issues regarding the protection of children. We are aware of the work of the Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth or, shall we say, its recommendations and considerations. It has yet to be seen how much of that action goes into central policy.

Today, however, I want to stay focused on what the Ombudsman for Children is asking because I believe it is the right thing to do. The ombudsman has asked that the Taoiseach's children's unit, which was established by the Taoiseach in December, take responsibility for and drive and be central to addressing family homelessness and supporting vulnerable children and their families around that. These are issues today in 2023. As I said, the unit was established by the Taoiseach in December. He gave extensive media briefings on it, which I read this morning, in which he is very clear. I am delighted and very much support the Taoiseach's drive and ambition in this area.

To set the context, 11,898 people are living in emergency accommodation, of whom 1,639 are families and the latest published figures tell us there are 3,472 children among them. Many Senators have children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. I ask them to think of the vulnerability of those children who are left in emergency accommodation.

I salute the Taoiseach on his ambition but action is needed faster. I support the Ombudsman for Children's announcements this week. I ask for a debate soon on the issue of children in emergency accommodation so that we can endeavour to give them critical and essential wrap-around supports.