The latest homelessness figures should not be treated as a cause for celebration by the Minister for Housing, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said:
“There are now 13,866 people living in homeless emergency accommodation – the highest number in the history of the State. Tragically, 4,147 of these are children, representing a 56 per cent rise since this Government took office.
“It is astonishing that Minister Darragh O’Brien welcomed this news yesterday because it only represents a ‘small increase’ compared to the huge jumps he has become accustomed to.
“Twenty-five extra people suffering the trauma of becoming homeless is not something to be welcomed.
“The highest levels of homelessness in the history of the State is no cause for celebration.
“However, the Minister’s attitude is a mirror of what we have long seen from this Government.
“They have had nearly four years to tackle homelessness and have turned a crisis into a disaster.
“It is beyond doubt that this Government cannot and will not get to grips with housing.
“We cannot afford to wait any longer. We cannot allow more and more people to go through the trauma of becoming homeless. We need a general election and a new Government now.”
April 26, 2024