The charity Barnardos warns that thousands of children could be homeless by the end of the year.
Rising rents and an ever growing housing list are contributing to conditions whereby more people are being forced to declare themselves homeless. Philomena Deans, just one of many parents who has found herself in this situation, shares her experience of living in emergency accommodation.
It's just absolutely outrageous circumstances. It's really unsafe, the walls are damp, it's filthy, it's just unbelievable how they expect people to live like that.
Barnardos has called for immediate action to prevent further families from becoming homeless. Fergus Finlay, CEO of Barnardos, says there are a number of vacant hotels in west Dublin which could be used to accommodate the homeless. A plan is needed to provide further supports.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that it is unacceptable that six households are becoming homeless every day. While promising that the government would prioritise the problem, he said that it can not be solved overnight. The Taoiseach said there is a need to combine the resources of the private sector, NAMA and direct provision facilities, along with government money, to address the issue.
It's not possible to provide instant homes overnight.
Barnardos has called on the government to control rent increases in line with inflation, to tackle discrimination against people availing of rent supplements, and to provide funding for the construction of 10,000 social housing units every year until supply meets the demand.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 19 May 2014. The reporter is Joe Little.
