Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has called on Government to do more to address the unacceptably high levels of homelessness.

The Dublin Mid West TD’s comments were made as the Department of Housing’s December homelessness report shows a fall in the number of families with children in emergency accommodation, but an increase in single person and pensioner homelessness over Christmas.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“The December homeless report published today shows a monthly drop of 196 people in emergency accommodation compared to November.

“This drop, among families with children, is welcome. However, in previous years, it has been common for family homelessness to fall during the Christmas period as families rally round to prevent their loved ones from spending Christmas in emergency accommodation.

“Unfortunately, the report also shows a continued increase in homelessness amongst single people (+61) and pensioners (+6). This is deeply worrying.

“Earlier this week, Sinn Féin set out in a private members motion the actions we believe the Government needs to take to tackle the homelessness crisis. Government must do more to address the unacceptably high levels of homelessness.

“Otherwise the number of people in emergency accommodation will rise in the months ahead.”