The number of children in temporary placements in Ireland reached a record high of 3,904 in September, an increase of nine from the previous month, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing, reports RTE.
The state’s total number of homeless people rose by 136 last month to 12,827, including 8,923 adults.
The report shows that at the end of September, there were 1,892 families in temporary facilities.
Of the 8,923 adults registered as homeless in September, a total of 5,822 – or 65% – were single and 5,478 were male.
The majority of homeless adults, 4,751, were between the ages of 25 and 44.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien said tackling homelessness was a government priority.
He said: “Those without a home remain the top priority for this Government. My department is making funding of €242 million available for the delivery of homeless services in 2024 – a 12.6% increase on the Budget 2023 allocation and we have been clear that there will be no obstacle in funding much needed services,” reports RTE.
Focus Ireland is calling on the Government to take immediate action to support children and families experiencing homelessness
The charity’s CEO Pat Dennigan said: “The Government is not using anywhere near enough of the newly available social housing. The Government must act to prevent further suffering for the nearly 4,000 children homeless. Some do not even have the vital support provided by the likes of our specialist child support workers. We are doing all we can but what these children need is a place to call home,” reports RTE.
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