Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, has said that newly released homeless figures show that meaningful actions, not meaningless words, are needed.

Crowe was speaking after the Peter McVerry Trust released its annual report that showed record numbers in need of hot meals, emergency shelter or residential placement. He stated that behind the escalating figures lie genuine hardship for too many families and individuals.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“The policies of austerity pursued by this government are the major contributor for an increase in homelessness, rough sleeping and housing need. The last couple of years we have seen cut after massive cut to the housing budget, as well as cuts to community supports, voluntary bodies and services for the homeless.

“This makes a total farce of the government’s stated commitment to end long-term homelessness by 2016.

“The state’s apparatus is failing, not due to an inability to achieve this aim, but because of its unwillingness to make the right decisions to make it a viable reality. There is mounting evidence, to their eternal shame, that the housing needs of the most vulnerable are not a priority and hardly figure in pecking order of priorities of this government.

“Peter McVerry is a noted campaigner and has a practical track record of dealing with homelessness. The Peter McVerry Trust and other charities and organisations working to end homelessness are officially praised but they also have to be listened to and actions taken following their experiences and recommendations.

“Collectively they are calling for real political intervention to stop this human tragedy. I support that call and demand that this government make the hard choices and deliver suitable long term accommodation for thousands who so desperately need them.

“Deadlines, targets and aspirations mean nothing without the action to realise them.

“Meaningful actions not meaningless words are needed.

“The government must be mindful of this as we approach the budget period. Even small cuts further inflicted on housing and social supports will have massive and tragic repercussions for families and individuals.

“We need to create pathways that enable the homeless to move from temporary accommodation to sustainable long term housing.

“This will mean a budget that will resume the building programme of social housing stock particularly in large urban areas. They need to give the homeless and the tens of thousands on waiting lists a real choice and chances for them to access suitable housing that meet their particular individual or family’s needs.

“Escalating figures like those contained in this annual report cry out for positive actions and responses.”

ENDS