According to the latest data from the housing department, around 4,000 children are homeless in the state, reports Breaking News.
A total of 3,895 children were homeless in August, a new record, and the total for the month was 12,691.
The number of children represents a 17% increase compared to August 2022 and surpasses the previous record set in September 2019 of 3,873 children.
The department’s data shows that 1,886 families became homeless last month.
Commenting on the figures, Focus Ireland chief executive Pat Dennigan said the charity welcomed the correction: “It is vital to have accurate figures. However, I would stress that the removal of the 308-person error does not change the unacceptable story of the last two years which is one of a relentless increase in homelessness,” reports Breaking News.
Mr Dennigan called for urgent budget action to help end the growing child homelessness crisis and better protect homeless children.
He said the investment was needed to ensure all homeless children and those with complex needs were allocated Tusla-funded nominated foster carers.
“The Government is not using anywhere near enough of the new social housing supply coming on stream to drive down homelessness. Families and single people who are long-term homeless need to get a fairer share of the new homes that become available,” Mr Dennigan said, reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.