Action needed to end homeless crisis

Emergency moves to bring in rent controls and increase allowances are needed to head-off a surge in homelessness, the Dáil heard.

Independent TD Catherine Murphy warned caps on rent supplement were leading to families being forced out of their homes. She said rent hikes of more than 30% are now common.

“Rent supplement is exacerbating the problem. The Simon Community described the situation as an emergency and Focus Ireland’s report said for many, the single reason they have become homeless is because the rent supplement does not cover their rent. According to Simon, 3,000 people are in emergency accommodation and we know hundreds of them are children,”she said.

Ms Murphy insisted the Social Protection department needed to be more pro-active to stop families being forced out of private accommodation.

Meanwhile, a “sleep out” to commemorate the life and death of Jonathan Corrie was taking place across the road from Leinster House last night. Mr Corrie was found dead a few metres from the gates of the Oireachtas earlier this month.

His 14-year-old daughter Natasha McNeill Corrie was taking part in the commemoration, organised by the Hope4homeless charity, to highlight the crisis. Natasha, and her mother Catherine McNeill, joined wellwishers, including members of the Love/Hate cast, at the spot where Mr Corrie died.

Ms McNeill said: “I hope this will bring focus on to people who are homeless. Not just to get homes, but to get counselling as well and the support they need.

“This is the closest place we feel to Jonathan.

‘We came here on numerous occasions to look for Jonathan, I don’t think he wanted to be found because he did not want us to see him the way he was. He was a good man and he did his best for us.’