The latest homelessness figures show the tragic consequences of 13 years of Fine Gael-led governments, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said:
“There are now 14,486 people living in homeless emergency accommodation – the highest ever recorded in the history of the State.
“Shockingly, 4,419 of these are children growing up without a home.
“Earlier this week, the Taoiseach attempted to distract the public from his party’s catastrophic record on housing by playing the issues of homelessness and migration against one another.
“His feeble attempt to backtrack by stating that it’s nobody’s fault is nothing short of farcical.
“There is plenty of blame to go around for this disaster and none of it rests at the feet of refugees.
“Fine Gael have been in office for 13 years. In that time, homelessness has risen from 3,808 to 14,486.
“Child homelessness alone has increased by a staggering 67 per cent during the term of this Government.
“There is now a deficit of between 212,500 to 256,000 homes, according to the Housing Commission.
“If the Taoiseach is struggling to see who is to blame, he could start by taking a look at his own party.
“His pathetic diversion tactics are not fooling anybody.”
September 27, 2024