The Fine Gael/Labour government has been slammed over its housing strategy plans.

Sinn Housing Spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD claims they are failing to meet their own "miserably low" targets for new housing.

Teachta Ellis said: "The Coalition has a pathetically low new housing target, of just 1,700 new social housing units by 2017, which will be after the next general election.

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"The Fine Gael/Labour government has done nothing to boost social housing during its time in office and has implemented cuts which have worsened the homelessness crisis.

"The Department of Environment estimates, based on local authority returns, that there were over 89,000 households in need of social housing; that figure includes both families and single people so it represents a far greater number of people in need.

"They have refused to invest in social housing, a promised spend of just €312 million until the end of 2017 will not scratch the surface. Now, they want to provide giveaways and bribes to the private developers to achieve this completely inadequate target."

(CD/MH)