Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has written to the chair of the Housing Committee seeking an urgent hearing on deaths of people accessing homeless services. 

Last week another five deaths of people experiencing homelessness were reported in the newspapers, bringing the reported total number of deaths for 2020 to over 50.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“I have written to the Chair of the Housing Committee seeking urgent hearings on the increasing number of people who have died while accessing homeless services or rough sleeping.

“Last week alone another five deaths were reported. I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of those who passed away.

“We need a dedicated Housing Committee session to hear from the stakeholders involved in the provision of homeless services and to make a series of recommendations to the Minister for Housing detailing an emergency response plan.

“It is my view that this emergency response should include the ending of dormitory style emergency accommodation. The number of Housing First tenancies should be increased and more funding most be provided for wraparound mental health and addiction supports.

“We also need to see the introduction of Adult Safeguarding Reviews to see what can be done better to help prevent further deaths.

“We need this Committee hearing as urgently as possible and I hope my meeting request will be facilitated by the other members.”