A number of calls have been issued for an an independent inspection regime to be introduced for all emergency homeless accommodation.

Fr Peter McVerry and campaigner Anthony Flynn issued the calls to government, with Fr McVerry highlighting a number of cases where people who are clean are sharing confined spaces with drug users.

Sinn Féin has echoed the calls for the inspection regime, with Eoin Ó Broin TD also calling for the end of the use of dormitory style accommodation.

-- Advertisement --

"Homeless people themselves have stated that they prefer to stay in tents because they feel safer, then in dormitory type accommodation," Deputy Ó Broin said.

"We need to ensure that these hostels are safe spaces.

"We also must see the end of the use of dormitory style accommodation.

"We also need a fully independent inspection regime for all emergency accommodation conducted by HIQA or a body with similar powers.

"In June 2018 I published my own Bill to this effect.

"The Emergency Homeless Accommodation and Direct Provision Independent Inspection Bill granted HIQA the power to inspect all emergency homeless accommodation and direct provision centres funded by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Justice.

"We need to do better. People using emergency accommodation deserve good quality standards."

(CM/JG)