Labour is urging Archbishop Martin to "put pressure" on the Catholic Housing Aid Society (CHAS) to make available the 99 new units of accommodation in Fr. Scully House, Dublin.

The housing complex on Gardiner Street has been empty for over six months.

Joe Costello TD said if the units were opened, the elderly people waiting for social housing would have accommodation in time for Christmas.

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He said: "This housing complex in my constituency in the heart of the North Inner City has been constructed and furnished, and is lying empty for over six months.

"Also, the Simon Community, which recently closed 37 units of its accommodation for the homeless on Sean McDermott Street, should immediately reopen them and keep them open until the Government's €3.8 billion social housing programme is delivering new homes later in the new year.

"It is imperative that all necessary steps are taken immediately to rid our capital of the scandal of homelessness."

(CD/JP)