North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has requested urgent intervention to ensure the health and well-being of homeless people is protected as COVID19 continues to spread.

Speaking on the issue, Carál Ní Chuilín said:

“As COVID19 continues to spread throughout this island, there is an urgent need for increased protections for the most vulnerable in our community.

“Homeless people, and in particular those that are sleeping rough, are particularly at risk of contracting COVID19.

“Over two weeks ago, I wrote to the House Executive on their COVID19 contingency plans regarding support for people sleeping on the streets.

“As of yet, I have not received any correspondence on this matter. This is entirely unacceptable.

“We have dozens of homeless people continuing to sleep rough on the streets of Belfast and indeed across the North amidst a public health emergency – this cannot continue.

“There must be no further delay in the implementation of a COVID19 contingency plan to protect the health and well-being of homeless people. 

“I will be making immediate contact with the Housing Executive to request urgent action on this issue.”