Over 5,000 children in homelessness – but will Govt be shamed into action?
Over 5,000 children in homelessness - but will Govt be shamed into action? - The Labour Party
Labour’s housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan TD described the record breaking level of homelessness in the State as immoral.
Speaking during a Simon Communities event in Dublin today, Deputy Sheehan said Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s failure to address the systemic issues in the housing Department will destroy the lives of young children and their families.
Deputy Sheehan said:
“There is no acceptable level of homelessness. This Government has broken every record when it comes to the devastation that is homelessness and has failed to act.
“Passing Labour’s Homeless Families Bill has to be an immediate priority when the Dáil returns in September. This could ensure that local councils have the authority and the funding to ensure that children and their families are protected against entering homelessness.
“We also need to restore the cuts made by the Minister for Housing to the tenant in situ scheme. The tenant in situ scheme is one way that we can keep a roof over people’s head by ensuring that the State steps in to catch anyone who needs support.
“Things will only get worse as the cold weather comes in. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have talked about solving the crisis for years, but what have we seen? Record homelessness, soaring rents, and families torn apart by the pressure of trying to find somewhere to live. We simply can’t wait any longer.”