There was a reduction in the number of homeless people accessing emergency accommodation last month.
Figures for December 2023 show there were 13,318 people in emergency accommodation, a decrease of 196 people or 1.5% on the total in November.
The figures also show reductions in the numbers of homeless families and children.
There were 1,916 families in emergency accommodation in December, down 4.2% (84 people) on the previous month.
The latest report also showed that from these families, there were 3,963 children in homeless accommodation. This was 143 fewer than in November.
The Homeless Quarterly Progress Report for Quarter 4 in 2023 was also published today.
The Department of Housing said that in the last quarter, 609 households including 744 adults and 266 families were recorded as "exiting homelessness".
It also said that more than 1,000 households, including 639 families, were prevented from entering homelessness in the last quarter of 2023.
The Department said that this demonstrates that the Tenant in Situ Scheme is "effectively preventing people who receive a notice to quit from entering into emergency accommodation".
It demonstrates that the scheme is effectively preventing people who receive a notice to quit from entering into emergency accommodation.
The progress report showed the number of new families presenting to homeless services increased by 31.1% between quarter three and quarter four.
Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien said that people without a home remain the Government's top priority.
He said that there was €242 million available for homeless services this year and there will be "no obstacle" in funding the "much needed services".
Mr O'Brien said homelessness was a "very complex challenge" with many entering emergency accommodation for a "myriad of reasons".
He added: "However, we have a plan and we are making a difference.
"Whether it is prevention, exits or housing supply, the numbers are going in the direction that we as a society want and there is no lack of resolve or money to sustain this momentum and ultimately reduce the numbers entering homelessness."
He also said that there was no doubt that immense pressure remains on homeless services and that supply of housing and accommodation remains the "ultimate solution to addressing the challenge in the longer term".
Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh told RTÉ's Drivetime that it would be "premature" of Government to "clap themselves on the back" over the latest figures.
She added the figures show that more older people are at risk of homelessness or are in homelessness, while there is also the issue of the 'hidden homelessness' not being counted.
Dublin Simon CEO Catherine Kenny said the total homeless population of the capital was approaching the entire homeless population of Ireland under two years ago.
She added: "At this rate, we can expect to see even more grim milestones and further overwhelm to the system."
Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan welcomed the fall in homelessness in December but highlighted that it came against a backdrop of an "appalling increase" of 14% over the last year.
He said: "Focus Ireland has repeatedly called on local authorities to be more proactive in ensuring that families trapped in homelessness get offered a fairer share of the homes that are coming on stream.
"The fact that local authorities at last moved in this direction in December is to be strongly welcomed.
"However, it is essential that this approach is not just for one month but continues on a long-term basis.'’
Additional reporting Laura Hogan
