Sinn Féin is calling for funds to be released "immediately" to local authorities to enable them to build social homes.

Leader Gerry Adams said Government policy is at the root of the housing crisis.

Mr Adams said: "With the obscenity of 130 citizens sleeping rough on the streets of our capital city every night, even the Minister responsible, Alan Kelly has admitted this is a humanitarian crisis.

-- Advertisement --

"However, what is the Government doing? Since Fine Gael and Labour assumed office, an appalling average of just 400 social housing units have been built annually. This is an insult to those suffering as a result of this crisis.

"Fine Gael and Labour cut social housing budgets in their first few years of Government.

"The policy of this Government and it's Fianna Fáil-led predecessors of divesting responsibility for the delivery of social housing to the private sector is at the root of the current crisis."

(CD/LM)