Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has called for “a general election to address the deepening homelessness crisis”.

His call came as the latest Department of Housing homelessness report for February shows increases across all categories of homelessness.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“Today’s report shows homelessness reaching a new record high of 13,841 people, including 4,170 children. All categories including single people, families and pensioners have seen increases.

“The Department of Housing also released figures today confirming that the Government missed the new build social housing targets for 2023 and all of their affordable housing scheme targets.

“Homelessness is rising because the Government’s social and affordable housing targets are too low and are being missed every single year.

“This Government is not capable of solving this crisis. The longer they are in Government the worse the housing crisis is going to get.

“How high will Simon Harris allow homelessness numbers to rise before he accepts this fact?

“We urgently need a general election, a change of Government and crucially a change of housing plan to deliver the volume of social and affordable homes that are needed to tackle this escalating crisis.”