There are still over 3,000 children living in emergency accommodation in Ireland, according to the latest figures.

The homeless figures for December revealed there has been a 23% increase in the number of children in emergency accommodation in the last twelve months.

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin, said:"I sincerely hope that these figures reflect a downward trend and not a one off Christmas dip as families and friends accommodate loved ones over the festive period.

-- Advertisement --

"To turn this one month drop into a genuine trend the Minister must do more to tackle the crisis.

"Landlords issuing vacant possession notices to quit when selling their property are the single biggest driver of family homelessness.

"The Government must end its opposition to tabling legislation to deal with this issue.

"The government must also adopt far more ambitious Housing First targets. Under Rebuilding Ireland only 200 additional Housing First tenancies have been created Minister Murphy should make a commitment to increase the number to 1,000.

"Also not enough is being done to purchase turnkey homes, not for sale on the open market, to get families out of emergency accommodation."

(CD/MH)