Hotels and hostels are not suitable for children, Labour has announced.

The party made the statement following RTÉ's report on complaints made to the Dublin Region Homeless Executive about conditions in emergency accommodation.

Housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan said: "One woman described the impact that living in emergency accommodation for nearly two years was having on her five-year old's mental health, with reports of glasses being left in a children's play area and hotel entertainment keeping them up at night. Concerns too were raised about drug taking in these facilities and incidences of violence.

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"The Labour Party is pushing to ensure the needs of children are taken into account when decisions are made regarding families in homeless situations with our Homeless Families Bill, which is currently going through the Dáil. It is a vital piece of legislation that needs to be progressed as quickly as possible."

(CD/LM)