Govt accused of breaking promise that no homeless will sleep rough during deep freeze

The Government has been accused of breaking its promise to ensure no homeless person will sleep rough during this week's deep freeze after it was claimed 86 people were left on Dublin streets on Tuesday night.

Govt accused of breaking promise that no homeless will sleep rough during deep freeze

Despite promises that no homeless person would sleep rough during this week's deep freeze, it has been claimed that 86 people were left on the streets of Dublin on Tuesday night.

The figure was revealed shortly before the Department of Housing released the December Homelessness Report which showed that there are 9,753 people in emergency accommodation. It includes 3,559 children.

There was an increase of 37 adults accessing emergency accommodation and a decrease in the number of families presenting to homeless services in Dublin.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has defended his Department's approach to the homeless in light of the sudden slump in temperatures after claims dozens of homeless people slept on the street while others in hostels were "turfed out" early the following morning.

As the cold snap began to descend on Ireland at the start of this week, Mr Murphy promised that no homeless person would be left without accommodation unless they refused the offer of help.

However, Anthony Flynn, CEO of Inner City Helping Homeless (ICHH), said that ICHH teams made four attempts to secure accommodation for people only to be told that beds were not available.

"The ICHH teams assisted 86 people on their routes last night, 70 males and 16 females, so we are way under-resourced when it comes to bed availability," he said.

"With snow forecast this week we have grave concerns for the safety of people sleeping rough around the country and the Minister is clearly getting bad information from his team and the Council if he thinks there is a bed for everyone that needs it."

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald raised the matter in the Dáil.

"People have contacted my office to say that those who were in hostels last night were turfed out into the cold first thing this morning and are now sitting around in tents near Heuston station," she said.

Mr Murphy responded by saying: "We have to be careful in addressing this situation with the cold weather initiative that is in place to make sure the information we are getting is accurate".

He added that in recent months the Government has put in place 200 extra "permanent new beds" for homeless people and 150 more emergency beds for those in need.

Reacting to the figures June Tinsley, Head of Advocacy at the childrens' charity Barnardos warned that any the decrease in child homelessness in December shoud be seen in the context of extended family and friends rallying round to ensure children don’t have to spend Christmas in emergency accommodation.

"The number of children homeless in December 2018 is 42% higher than December 2016. Homelessness is not something any child should experience. It is not acceptable.

“We know the harm being caused to children who experience homelessness. Last week Temple Street Children’s Hospital raised concerns it has over the number of children accessing its Emergency Department who were experiencing homelessness, many of whom presented with injuries or illness associated with their poor living situation.

"But there are many other hidden effects of homelessness on children. Even a short experience of homelessness will impact on a child’s emotional, health and social wellbeing. What we are seeing unfold over the course of the housing crisis are children being faced with a highly stressful experience in their lives.

“Government has within its gift the ability to solve this crisis and ensure these children don’t spend another Christmas in homeless accommodation; the question is will they take the bold steps needed?”.

In Cork, homeless charities are increasing the facilities available to rough sleepers to ensure that nobody is left out in the cold.

Cork Simon's 47-bed shelter was fully occupied on Tuesday night, with an additional nine people staying in common areas. The night light service, an additional facility in place as part of Cork City Council's winter initiative, also hosted an extra 17 people.

However, despite this, Paul Sheehan, communications and campaigns manager at Cork Simon, said that there was still a 'small number' sleeping rough.

"Our outreach team is in touch with them, constantly encouraging them to come indoors and avail of an emergency bed," he said.

"We continue to work closely with Cork City Council and other homeless services providers in Cork to make sure there's a bed for everyone that needs one."

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

National Risk Assessment for Ireland Tánaiste urges Israel ‘to show humanity’ and allow more aid into Gaza
Lego set based on RNLI lifeboat could soon become a reality Lego set based on RNLI lifeboat could soon become a reality
Travel Stock - Geneva - Switzerland UN human rights body calls for repeal or amendment of Troubles legacy laws
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited