The Minister for Housing has insisted that changes to a scheme which allows local authorities buy homes from landlords when tenants are facing eviction will protect the most vulnerable.
James Browne was speaking ahead of Dáil debate on the Tenant in Situ scheme next week, amid concerns that alterations to the policy will put more people at risk of homelessness.
Since April 2023, more than 2,500 households avoided becoming homeless because of this scheme.
Sinn Féin has tabled Wednesday's Dáil motion urging the minister not to restrict access to the scheme for anyone at risk of homelessness covered under the existing criteria.
The party's housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin, said there is real concern among homeless service providers that the proposed changes and funding allocations will result in fewer people being able to access this vital homeless support.
He also warned that the scheme's new focus would lead to the de-prioritisation of single people and couples without children.
Sinn Féin is calling for local authorities to get the maximum level of flexibility in operating the scheme and to reject the proposed restrictions.
This includes a new rule whereby a landlord selling a home to a local authority must be in receipt of a social housing support payment for two years.
The party believes there is a concerted effort by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to reduce the funding and to restrict the operation of the scheme
However, Mr Browne responded by pointing out that €325m has been made available for purchasing schemes this year.
He said the criteria would ensure fairness and would focus on helping children, older people and those with disabilities.
The minister said housing acquisitions have proven to be effective where no other options exist for social housing supported tenants who are at risk of losing their home.
