The current housing crisis in Ireland is continuing to get worse, according to Sinn Féin.

The party has launched a Bill calling on the State to recognise the right of all citizens to adequate, appropriate, secure, safe and affordable housing.

Speaking at the launch of the Bill, Deputy Ó Broin said: "This is not a novel idea. Eighty-one countries across the world have the right to housing recognised in the Constitutions

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"This is something the government could act on without delay and it would provide a basic floor of protection for the increasing numbers of people facing homelessness.

"There is currently no legal right to housing in Irish law and the lack of a substantive right to housing is highlighted by the plight of families facing homelessness.

"Currently, the failure to provide a family with emergency accommodation cannot be challenged by referencing a clear right. A right to housing would essentially give the courts the jurisdiction to review whether that right is being respected."

(CD/JP)