Serious concerns have been raised over the number of children living in emergency accommodation in Ireland.

Labour Housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan raised her concerns after figures revealed over 3,000 children are currently living in emergency accommodation.

The figures are contained in the Homelessness Report for August released by the Department of Housing, Planning and Government.

Deputy O'Sullivan said: "These figures paint a bleak picture about the reality of the crisis facing people around the country.

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"I am particularly concerned that despite the soundbites from Government on progress being made, there are still around 1,400 families in emergency accommodation, and for the first time, just over three thousand children now living in hotels and B&Bs.

"It is simply not suitable for children to be in this type of accommodation, and I am really concerned about the potential long-term impact of these arrangements.

"Even the simple things like doing homework assignments or kicking a ball around outdoors can be a struggle if you're living in a hotel, as well as the stigma attached to such a set-up for young children.

"We can only imagine how stressful it must be for the parents too, which as we can see from the figures, 770 of whom are single."

(CD)