Record breaking homeless figures will be the lasting record of this Govt
- Decision to lift the eviction ban has had dire consequences for so many families
Labour Dublin South Central candidate Cllr Darragh Moriarty has hit out at Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil for failing to address the scandal of homelessness.
Cllr Moriarty said:
“This Government has broken every record on homelessness.
“In the past year alone, there has been a 17% increase in child homelessness. This has led the INTO to issue guidance to primary school teachers to help pupils who are impacted.
“To have one child living in homelessness is a national scandal but under this Government’s watch, we now have the appalling vista of 4,419 children homeless.
“The thoughts of almost 4,500 children doing their homework on hotel room floors, watching the Late Late Toy Show unsure if Santa will be able to find them, is beyond depressing.
“What’s even more depressing is the fact that it is this Government’s record that led us here.
“In March 2023, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil were supported by the Green Party in lifting the eviction ban which has pushed many vulnerable families from the private rental sector into homelessness. The Government have failed to take on this challenge. It is this Government’s failed policy approach that have led us here.
“Next Friday as people go to the polls, I would remind them to keep in mind this Government’s shameful record. October’s homeless figures will be published at 2pm on that day, a chilling reminder of the need to vote for a fairer, better future.
“In an election where Fine Gael have promised bank accounts to every child, I want to know what address the Taoiseach proposes children living in homelessness use for this account.
“Tomorrow, Labour will publish its Children’s Rights Charter with a key mission of ending child homelessness. Since the inception of the Housing for All strategy, we have seen an over 70% increase in children in homelessness.
“Labour will enact Labour’s Homeless Families Bill which would prioritise the needs of homeless families to ensure that no child is without a stable home.
“We can do and we must do better.”