Minister: Govt will try to get homeless off the streets by Christmas

The Housing Minister Paudie Coffey is insisting the Forum on Homelessness is not just a talking shop.

Mr Coffey also says the Government will do all in its power to get homeless people off the streets by Christmas.

Voluntary groups working with homeless people and local authorities are among those attending today's meeting.

The Forum on Homelessness has been called in the wake of the death of Jonathan Corrie just metres away from Leinster House on Molesworth Street in Dublin earlier this week.

Minister Coffey is determined to address the crisis, saying: "Government has made a commitment in the homelessness policy to end long-term, involuntary homelessness by the end of 2016.

"I certainly hope that after today's forum and meetings, we can do all in our power to get the homeless people, the rough sleepers that we talk about first of all - they are our first priority - off the streets, even by this Christmas."

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Christie Burke says immediate action is needed

He said: "I believe that you could take the rough sleepers off the street in the next seven to 10 days.

"Nama have properties, they have hotels, open them up and put a few quid into them to put them together with beds and shelter, hot and cold water.

"And with a view then of independent living down the road."

Organisations who offer support to homeless people are due to join the meeting later this evening.