Ending Child Homelessness must remain a key priority

​Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government, Darragh O’Brien, has said that while the latest drop in the number of people homeless in Ireland is welcome, it should not give rise to complacency.
 
According to the latest figures, there were 6,552 adults and 3,355 children homeless.


Deputy O’Brien said: “There were 9,907 people homeless in Ireland in total according to the latest figures released by the Department, while the slight reduction is to be welcomed, it is not a cause for celebrations. The number of homeless families was 1,488, and this is very concerning as there are 3,355 children homeless.


“Now more than ever, we need to continue the battle to end homelessness. Because of the COVID-19 restrictions, we must be careful that we do not experience a surge in the coming months of more people becoming homeless.


“While the figures show a slight reduction, this is a shocking indictment that we still have almost 10,000 people in Ireland living in homelessness. We should not lose sight of the damage this failure is inflicting upon thousands of children. This is a disgraceful situation and a scar on our society,”


“Fianna Fáil would prioritise solving this housing crisis by building public homes on public land and delivering affordable housing for working people. We must prioritise ending the number of people experiencing homelessness and to lead by example to make sure children have a place they can call home. The number of children living in emergency accommodation remains at an unacceptable level,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.