Dublin South West TD, Deputy Seán Crowe, has welcomed the recent call of the children’s charity, Barnardos, for action on the housing crisis and the inappropriateness of emergency accommodation for families with children.

Crowe said his advice centre was inundated with cases and that the likelihood of Housing Minister Jan O Sullivan eliminating homelessness by 2016 was “infinitesimal”.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“A target originally set back in 2010 to eliminate homelessness was believed to be achievable, but sadly the government at that time didn’t have the political will to see through such an ambitious project.

“The current government has suggested 2016 as the new date.

“Focus Ireland, from its own research, believes that there are roughly 5000 homeless people across the state.

“Many of these homeless are under 18.

“People who experience homelessness are more likely to have physical or mental health difficulties and many were formerly in care.

“On any given night in the Dublin city area, there could be 90 people sleeping rough in doorways, parks, derelict sites, and abandoned cars. Life expectancy, as a result of the extreme cold, malnutrition and crime, is much lower for homeless people than it is for the general population.

“People sleeping rough are only the tip of the homeless iceberg. The less obvious side of homelessness is made up of those who live in hostels, refuges, B&B’s shelters, or emergency accommodation.

“This ‘hidden homeless’ population is sadly 20 times the number of people sleeping rough.

Crowe continued:

“I agree with Barnardos about the inappropriateness of emergency accommodation for families with children.

“All are in this hopeless situation because of a lack of action when it comes to appropriate accommodation to meet their needs. Large proportions are vulnerable victims and many more are being made even more vulnerable because this government’s failure to respond their housing needs.

“Much more hard work still needs to be done in order to end homelessness and the government will need to make strategic decisions to provide housing, which is tailored to suit the varied needs of people coming out of homelessness.

“We know from the government’s own figures that funding has been cut for homelessness services and emergency accommodation is at breaking point, with organisations working with the homeless now operating at absolute capacity.

“A new deadline looks like a positive step forward, but the direct provision of permanent housing is what will end the homeless crisis.

“This can be achieved by the government in co-operation with the voluntary housing agencies and if we, as a society, collectively commit ourselves to this new achievable deadline

“My advice centre is inundated with housing cases and I firmly believe that the likelihood of Housing Minister Jan O Sullivan eliminating homelessness by 2016 is off the charts and infinitesimal.”

ENDS