The Government is being urged to make use of the tens of thousands of empty homes around the country to help end the homeless crisis.

David Hall, chief executive of the Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation, has warned that home repossessions will begin in earnest this year, having a potentially catastrophic effect on the housing market.

Homelessness charities say there are too many State-funded organisations dealing with those without housing, and some should be axed.

The State spent more than €19,000 for every homeless person in the country last year on services and supports alone.

Homelessness charities have described as scandalous latest Census figures that show almost 200,000 houses are lying empty around the country while thousands of people are trapped in emergency homeless accommodation.

A man lost the sight in one eye in a row sparked by a posting on Facebook, a court has heard.