End tragic deaths of homeless

THE death of a woman on the streets of Cork city brings shame on a country that appears to treat the homeless as an underclass.

The claims this unfortunate woman had asked for shelter fearing she would die must be thoroughly investigated. To add to the tragedy it has been reported the victim’s aunt died in the same doorway seven years ago.

How was a woman with suspected pleurisy or pneumonia turned away from a shelter instead of being taken to hospital?

This is the third death of a rough sleeper within the past week and with a cold spell forecast there could be more fatalities.

The latest tragedy came as Focus Ireland disclosed the homeless crisis is deepening.

Were it not for the work carried out by such charities the situation would be far worse.

This is shameful situation as it is the State that should be looking after these people.

On the plus side, Focus Ireland has also revealed an additional 700 families have escaped homelessness with its help.

It is three years this week since the death of homeless man Jonathan Corrie near the Dail.

The promises made by the Government then were soon forgotten and there has been an explosion in those in emergency shelters.

As winter sets in the Government must act to ensure no one sleeps in the open or there will be more tragedies like the Cork death.