Fine Gael Dublin Central Deputy, Paschal Donohoe TD, has welcomed the Census count which has identified, for the first time, the extent of the problem of homelessness in Ireland.

He said: "For the first time ever, a count of those who were either sleeping rough or housed in homeless accommodation was taken at the last Census. This gives us a more accurate reflection than ever before, of who among us is being forced to sleep on the streets or to seek emergency accommodation.

"The count found that on the night of 10th April last year, 3,808 people were either sleeping rough or in accommodation designated for the homeless. Of these, 64 were sleeping rough and 1,648 were in emergency housing. Even more concerning is the fact that among those counted were 457 children aged 14 and under, and 296 family units, comprised of 905 people.

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"Notwithstanding our current economic position, it is crucial that we continue to meet the needs of those who need our help and assistance most. We must seek to determine the whos and whys of homelessness, ensuring that their plight is not ignored.

"It is a commitment of the Programme for Government to end long term homelessness and the need to sleep rough. Reports such as this give us a clearer indication of the scale of the situation, helping us to better identify the problem that needs to be addressed.

"Too many of our young people have ended up on the streets as a result of myriad social and personal problems. The census count revealed that more than one in four homeless people aged between 15 and 59 did not have a qualification beyond primary level, further emphasising the needed for our children to stay in school. It is our job to find solutions to these problems and to put systems in place whereby safe, secure and reliable quality accommodation can be offered to those living on the streets.

"The Government has committed to reviewing and updating the existing Homeless Strategy, putting a specific focus on youth homelessness. This will take into account the demands that already exist on housing and health services. The adoption of a ‘housing first’ approach to providing accommodation is designed to radically reduce the use of hostel accommodation and to ensure that people are housed in suitable accommodation."

(CD)