LATEST figures from the government show there are now just under 10,000 homeless people in Ireland, just days Christmas.
The figures released today show there were 9,968 people accessing emergency accommodation during the week of November 19-25, including 3,811 children.
The number is an increase on the previous month’s figures, which showed there were 9,724 homeless people, including 3,725 children.
Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy attributed the increase to getting people off the streets into emergency housing.
'Anticipated'
“The increase in adults in emergency accommodation was anticipated as we moved rough sleepers off the streets and into the new beds provided from additional money made available,” he said.
“No increase is welcome but at least these people are now getting better support and care as we now work to move them into Housing First and other permanent housing solutions.”
There were 158 more adults and 86 more children accessing emergency accommodation in November.
While the number of families presenting to homeless services in Dublin was down for the fourth successive month, 85 families were prevented from entering emergency accommodation in Dublin during November.
'Priority'
Mr Harris said it was ‘disappointing’ that the number of children classified as homeless had increased.
“It is very disappointing to see more children in emergency accommodation as we enter into Christmas week,” he said.
“I am glad though that for a very large number of families, they will not be spending this Christmas in a hotel thanks to the dedicated efforts of all involved and the continued rollout of new Family Hubs.”
He added: “I want to assure all individuals and families experiencing homelessness that it is an absolute priority for my Department to deliver the housing solutions needed.
“In 2019, we will continue to increase the delivery of social housing to provide more people with homes.
“The Government will also provide increased funding for the provision of homeless services, with a 25 per cent increase in the budget to €146million, to ensure that all individuals and families receive the assistance and support that they require until a home is secured.”
The latest figures also show there was a decrease of 96 families accommodated in hotels in Dublin in November, while 67 families exited emergency accommodation into homes in Dublin during that period.
