Approximately 842 children were treated and discharged into homelessness at Temple Street Children's Hospital emergency department in 2018, according to new figures.

In a report from the hospital, the Lead Emergency Medicine Consultant added that "presentations were varied and complex but in the majority they stem from the fact that these children are living in completely unsuitable, cramped and temporary accommodation".

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Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald hit out at the Taoiseach over the "shameless" figures in the Dáil yesterday, 22 January.

She said: "842 of the most vulnerable citizens of this State - not alone in need of medical care in an A&E, but in need of a home.

"That is the reality of child homelessness. And there are tens of thousands of people out there living in perpetual fear of this happening to them and their children. Those who are a job loss or a rent hike away from the same fate - homelessness - and the sick, perverse reality that entails.

"The most obnoxious thing of all is that, if we really want to, we can do something about it."

McDonald added: "So I implore the government to let this be the last straw, to let this be the breaking point. Government policy is not working – it's time to start building homes."

(CM/MH)