Crowe calls for stronger action on homelessness

Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, today met with representatives of the Simon Community, the Homeless Agency, in Leinster House to be briefed on the worsening homelessness situation in Ireland.

Speaking after the meeting Deputy Crowe said:

“Due to the financial crisis in the country, and because of the Government’s own austerity measures, it is clear for everyone to see that the homelessness situation in Ireland is getting worse.

“For many people at the moment, the only thing standing between them and homelessness is their next pay packet or social welfare contribution.  Media leaks from Ministers are suggesting that Government is determined to cut back on social welfare spending and those lucky enough to be holding down a job are facing another hammering in the next budget.

“Cuts to funding for housing support, health services, probation, welfare services, and education and training services, all have major knock-on effects that contribute to homelessness. Cuts to these vital supports not only increase the possibility of homelessness, but it also prevents people from moving out of homelessness.

“Current funding levels for homelessness need to be maintained if not increased in the upcoming budget.

“Focus Ireland estimates that there are 5,000 homeless people in Ireland and 100,000 people are on various local housing waiting lists. Yet from CSO figures contained in the ‘Roof Over Our Heads’ Report, we know that there are over we have 230,000 vacant homes across the country.

“I am calling on the Government to take immediate action on the homelessness problem in Ireland and to ensure that those who are at risk of homelessness or those trying to move out of homelessness, are given the full supports they need.”