Following the death of a man in the early hours of Friday morning in an area of the Phoenix Park often frequented by homeless people, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe released the following statement:

“The Minister of State for Housing Jan O’Sullivan TD is in denial concerning the homeless crisis. Despite claims that the Government remains on track to end homelessness by 2016, disappointingly the reality is very different.

“Agencies working at the coalface of this issue have recently reported vast increases in the level of homelessness, particularly in the Dublin region. For many citizens, the only thing standing between themselves and homelessness is their next pay packet or social welfare contribution.

“€233 million has been taken from the social housing purse since the Labour Party and Fine Gael took office. Added to that, cuts to funding for housing support, health services, probation, welfare services and education and training have all had knock-on effects contributing to levels of homelessness. Crucially, cuts to these vital supports also prevent people from moving out of homelessness.

“With over 110,000 individuals and families on housing waiting lists, local authorities do not have the resources or accommodation available to meet demand. As we approach Christmas, it is vital that the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government release the necessary funds to ensure that nobody is forced to sleep out in the open air this winter.

“All too regularly we hear of tragic deaths of homeless men and women. If we truly wish to see an inclusive society and a modern republic, then a radical plan is required to bring about the conditions to end homelessness in Ireland.”

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