Irish homelessness figures increase yet again, reaching a record high

A record high.

Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy published the latest figures on homelessness in Ireland on Tuesday (3 December). The latest report shows that there were a total of 10,514 individuals in emergency accommodation in October. This figure includes 6,688 adults, 1,733 families and 3,826 dependants or children. This marks an increase of 117 people using emergency accommodation compared to the month before. October represents the first time that the figure for homelessness in Ireland has exceeded 10,500. These figures do not include women and children in domestic violence shelters funded by TUSLA, adults and children in hostels not funded by Government departments, rough sleepers and those still living in Direct Provision despite having secured their leave to remain. Murphy noted that there has been a drop in families and children seeking emergency accommodation, with a decrease of 23 families and a decrease of 47 children compared to September. Labour spokesperson on housing Jan O'Sullivan said: "While any decrease is to be welcomed, the reality is that 3,826 children and 1,733 families are without a home in this State. That is simply not acceptable. "As everyone knows at this stage we are not in a normal situation when it comes to housing, we are in an emergency, and it needs to be treated as such." Murphy faces a vote of no confidence in Dáil Éireann on Tuesday night, which will be supported by Labour, Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats and the Greens, as well as some independents. However, the Minister is expected to survive the vote.