TDs criticised following homeless debate no-show

TDs are facing criticism following an extremely low turnout at a debate on homelessness.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy was one of just three Fine Gael members to attend.

Fianna Fáil was represented by six TDs and Sinn Féin by three.

Sinn Féin deputy Imelda Munster became upset during the debate, talking about an encounter between her daughter and a homeless person.

“When my daughter came back, she said: ‘Mam, he was crying’. He was crying because he was so cold, so miserable, so alone and he felt that nobody gave a damn about him, minister. So I want you over Christmas to think about those children and every single person waiting to be housed in this State.”

Mr Murphy said beds would be available over Christmas. We know new homes are the answer and new homes are being built but we will not be able to solve the crisis until they are built. That will take more time. Until those houses are built, we will treat every family and child with the utmost care until we can get them into new homes. That is what the Government is working to achieve,” he said.

Homeless campaigner Anthony Flynn criticised the Dáil turnout.

“The fact that 19 members arrived to discuss the most serious issue in Irish society today, child homelessness, is an indictment on the Government,” he said.