Fine Gael and Labour are being accused of implementing policies that are forcing people to become homeless.

Sinn Féin TD and Housing Spokesperson Dessie Ellis said they are "completely out of their depth" on housing and called for a series of emergency interventions.

Deputy Ellis said: "The current crisis in housing and the appalling increase in homelessness are being caused by a government completely out of their depth on the issue. Instead of bringing forward workable solutions they are announcing mickey-mouse schemes that are making the situation worse.

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"As a result, people in full time employment are seeking emergency accommodation and the support of homeless charities. Many 30-year-olds, with children of their own, have been forced to move back to the parental home to escape the trap.

"The reason that rents in many urban areas, but particularly in Dublin, have soared beyond a level which people can afford is because of the substantial decrease in social housing construction, the end of the affordable housing scheme and the growth in house prices in Dublin and other urban areas. All of these require long-term solutions."

Sinn Féin is calling on Environment Minister Alan Kelly to immediately re-examine the practice of capping rent subsidies in the context of the introduction of a system of rent regulations.

(CD)