John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Homelessness is a complex matter, as the Senator knows. A whole-of-government approach is required. That is the approach of the Government and we will continue in that vein. It is important to say that €303 million has been allocated to homeless services for 2025. An additional €25 million in capital funding for the delivery of high-quality transitional emergency accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness has also been allocated. This will be kept under review in the context of the national development plan. The likes of the programmes around Housing First have worked exceptionally well. I have seen them work exceptionally well in my county of Waterford. I know they are successful but we also need to continue to support more exits from homelessness through the increased ramp-up in social housing delivery and the likes of the tenant in situ programme to prevent homelessness. It is only when one delivers more social housing than there are people entering homelessness that the numbers will reverse. I am committed to working with the Senators and others in the House to ensure that happens.