The Taoiseach's dismissive attitude to the seriousness of homelessness issue throughout Ireland has been described as "shameful".

Sinn Fein has called on the government to do more to tackle child homelessness after it was revealed that the number of homeless children has exceeded 3,000 for the first time.

Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs Denise Mitchell TD was speaking ahead of the UN's Universal Children's Day on Monday, 20 November.

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She said: "One homeless child in this State is one-too-many and for the Taoiseach to try and distract from the issue by pointing at other countries records is pathetic.

"What we need is a step-change in how we tackle homelessness, because the increasing numbers clearly show that the Government’s approach is not working.

"We in Sinn Féin have been consistent in saying that it is through the building of social and affordable housing – coupled with real rent certainty and security of tenure – that we can help bring about an end to the homelessness crisis in Ireland, because every child has the right to a home."

(CD/LM)