The Fine Gael government has come under severe pressure to introduce a rent freeze at Leaders' Questions.

Sinn Féin Dáil Deputy Leader Pearse Doherty TD hit out at the government during the broadcast yesterday, 28 November, levelling criticism over a failing housing plan.

Shedding more light on Rebuilding Ireland's impact, Deputy Doherty explained: "Its results are stark; over 10,000 citizens are now homeless, a 67% increase. The number of homeless children has risen by 81 percent; nearly doubled.

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"This is the new normal under Fine Gael in what is the fastest growing economy in Europe.

"Too many of our children our facing a Christmas they don't deserve. Toddlers are unable to walk or crawl because of prolonged stays in emergency accommodation. Their development stunted and their futures stolen from them.

"Rents have risen by 40 percent since your Government took office in 2016. The average rent in Dublin now stands at over €2 thousand a month. In Cork it is over €1,300 a month.

"This has locked a generation of young people and young families into an out-of-control rental market. It is locking them out of any aspiration of ever owning their own home."

The Donegal politician also urged Fine Gael to "get their heads out of the sand" and introduce solutions put forward by Sinn Féin, including an immediate three-year rent freeze.

(CM/JG)