Sinn Fein has slammed the Government after new figures revealed a rise in homelessness throughout Ireland in August.

Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD accused the government of losing control of the crisis.

He said: "We now officially have over 3,000 children sleeping in emergency accommodation. The figures show 3,048 children, an increase in 75 from the previous month, are sleeping in B&Bs, hotels and hubs.

-- Advertisement --

"The number of homeless families has increased to 1,442, a rise of thirteen and the number of homeless adults has climbed to 5,222.

"Despite all Minister Murphy's media announcements nothing has changed. While there is a small drop in figures in Dublin, across the State the homelessness problem is growing.

"All the government's summits and plans are not doing anything to help homeless families and children. Unless the Minster is prepared to adopt the measures necessary to keep more families in their homes, such as more protection for tenants in buy-to let properties, then the figures will just keep on rising."

(CD/MH)