The government is acquiring only 600 homes out of 1800 being offered to the Housing Agency, Sinn Fein has confirmed.

President Gerry Adams called on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to explain to the Dáil why the government is only purchasing 600 houses, despite there being over 300 more children in emergency accommodation since he entered office.

Teachta Adams said the homes could be bought and families could move in immediately.

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He said: "I accept that maybe not all of these homes are suitable. But it is hard to believe that 1,200 are unsuitable. I don't believe that the government thinks there is a housing emergency. If you did believe this you would not waste any opportunity to house citizens.

"People are dying on the streets. Children are spending their childhoods in emergency accommodation. And families are losing hope on housing waiting lists.

"Taoiseach, will you explain to the Dáil why you are purchasing only 600 of the 1,800 homes on offer?

"Can also explain why it is taking you so long to purchase and allocate these homes to families?"

(CD/MH)