Sinn Féin has hit out at Fine Gael over its failure to properly deal with the housing and homeless crisis throughout Ireland.

Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD accused the party of slashing capital spending on social housing and failing to introduce any form of affordable housing.

Deputy Ó Broin made his comments at the launch of Sinn Féin’s submission to the review.

He said: "We have had three separate housing plans, four separate senior housing Ministers and now a review of the existing plan. I understand that Minister Murphy intends to publish it soon.

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"Minister Murphy's review of the plan has the potential to make or break the housing and homeless crisis. He can continue down the path of his predecessors which will lead to failure. Or he can change direction and be the first Minister for decades to get to grips with housing need.

"Sinn Féin has made a detailed submission to the Ministers Review with 20 specific recommendations covering social housing, affordable housing, the private rental sector, the private residential market, traveller accommodation, housing for people with disabilities and the issue of preventing homelessness.

"At the core of our proposals lies a demand that the Government ends its over reliance on the private sector to meet social and affordable housing need. The State can and must significantly increase its level of investment and direct involvement in delivering good quality social and affordable housing to those in need."

(CD/MH)