Children’s Minister finds family living in a car ‘deeply disturbing’

Sabrina McMahon and her family

The Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said she is horrified and “deeply disturbed” that a woman and her three children are forced to live in a car because they cannot find accommodation.

Sabrina McMahon and her three children aged 5, 3 and 18 months have been told they will have to wait nine years for social housing.

Sabrina moved to Tallaght in South Dublin a year ago, after her relationship broke down, and had previously been staying with family and friends.

Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald

Since their case came to public attention this morning, a hotel has come forward, offering to put the family up for a week for free.

The Children’s Minister added she wants a system that responds to children and mothers in this situation.