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.