Over 70 families have been referred to homelessness services in April, according to figures from Focus Ireland.

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, Dessie Ellis TD, is calling on the government to be honest with the public and themselves by admitting the homeless crisis requires strong action and not more spin.

Deputy Ellis said: "The rate at which the number of families experiencing homelessness is increasing particularly in Dublin is beyond a crisis it is an emergency for the state. We now have over 1,000 children in emergency accommodation and that is increasing every week.

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"We need strong measures to tackle the causes of homelessness. Minister Bruton admitted to me this week that no legislation is planned for rent certainty to be implemented as promised by Minister Kelly.

"A system to control rents at a fair level to stop the flow of tenants into homelessness is needed immediately.The government have to stop dragging their heels. We also need greater protection for rent supplement tenants against discrimination and eviction because landlords want more rent from the private market.

"The government have committed to build just 167 homes in Dublin by the end of 2017. This is not good enough. Significant funds need to be invested now in building homes to move people out of hotels and hostels.

"One billion euro from the Strategic Investment Fund could build over 6,000 new homes and is three times what the Minister plans to spend up until 2017."

(CD)