Sinn Féin has issued a call for a "genuine" travel solution for homeless families across Ireland.

This comes as the government prepares to run its 2019 Kids go Free scheme for the month of July, allowing all children under the age of 15 free Leap card travel.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy gave a "misleading" response when questioned on the provision of free Leap cards for homeless families during the summer break.

Addressing the issue, Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said: "In his response to us today, the Minister for Housing gave the misleading impression that the government was providing temporary free Leap cards to homeless families while they sought a more permanent solution.

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"However, when my office sought clarification on this from the National Transport Authority, it became clear that Minister Murphy was being disingenuous in response."

Deputy Ó Broin and the party's spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs, Denise Mitchell have raised this issue with Minister Murphy and Minister for Children Katherine Zappone on multiple occasions.

He added: "Minister Murphy should stop hiding behind the positive initiatives from other State agencies and sit down with Minister Zappone to offer a genuine travel solution for these families."

(CM/JG)