People Before Profit TD for Dublin Mid-West Gino Kenny has expressed his deep concern and anger at the alarming increase in homelessness to record levels across Ireland. Despite promises and commitments from the government, the current housing crisis continues to escalate, leaving countless families and individuals without a stable and secure place to call home. The government’s policies have proven inadequate in addressing the root causes of this crisis, and urgent action is needed to ensure that all citizens have access to safe and affordable housing.
Recent statistics have revealed a shocking trend in the makeup of those affected by homelessness, with a staggering 147 out of 200 families being lone parent families. This statistic highlights the disproportionately high impact of the housing crisis on vulnerable lone parent households. It is evident that the government’s approach to addressing homelessness and housing insecurity has not adequately considered the unique challenges faced by lone parent families. This crisis underscores the pressing need for a comprehensive and compassionate strategy that tackles both housing affordability and poverty, particularly within this vulnerable demographic.
Gino Kenny remarks, “The fact that such a significant majority of families experiencing homelessness are lone parents is a clear indication of the failure of current policies to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. It is a heart-wrenching reality that children are growing up without the security of a stable home, and parents are forced to navigate an unforgiving system that does not prioritize their needs. The Fianna Fail/Fine Gael/Green Party government must take immediate and decisive action to rectify this situation. Instead they are now proposing tax cuts for landlords in the Budget and doing nothing for tenants.”
People Before Profit calls on the government to recognize the urgency of the housing crisis and to swiftly implement measures that prioritize the well-being and dignity of all citizens. This includes a commitment to increasing the availability of social and affordable housing, implementing rent controls to curb skyrocketing rental costs, and investing in support services for vulnerable individuals and families.
