Fine Gael has announced that the party is doing "everything possible" to address the homeless crisis in Ireland.

TD Maria Bailey called on all political parties to work together to help solve the crisis after figures produced by Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen comparing Irish and English homeless figures, were proven to be "wholly inaccurate".

She said: "There is no room for excuses here and our priority in Fine Gael is taking care of families and anyone who does not have a home to call their own.

"Every party in the Dáil and the various groups and charities have to work together on this. What is the point in publishing statistics that don't stand up and playing politics with the crisis? Mr Cowen should focus on the issue and offer sound advice as he has previously done."

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She said the Government has and is responding to end homelessness and the housing shortfall.

She continued: "In September in Dublin, more families left emergency accommodation than entered it. This is the second month in a row that this occurred. These are the facts but there are still many families who find themselves homeless.

"Next year, every working day of the week we will support 100 new homes for homeless people and those on housing lists. We will almost double the number of new social housing homes built by the State next year.

"By contrast, when I was a Councillor on Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council , I saw first-hand the private sector delivering social homes that the State should have provided in tandem with the private developers.

"Fine Gael's policies are working and will solve the homelessness crisis. We need everyone to get on board and work together in the best interests of people and families who need a home."

(CD/LM)