19/01/2016
SF Criticise Govt On Child Homelessness
The government has been criticised for its record on dealing with child homelessness by Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Children, Robert Troy.
Deputy Troy accused both the Minister for Children James Reilly and Minister for Environment Alan Kelly of having "abdicated their responsibility for dealing with this issue".
"Fine Gael and Labour have an appalling record when it comes to preventing child homelessness and assisting those living in emergency accommodation," Deputy Troy said.
"Over 1,500 children are currently living in emergency accommodation each night. This is having a detrimental impact on the personal development of these children.
"Last July I questioned Minister Reilly in the Dáil and asked him what he was doing to assist children living in emergency accommodation. His response was to say that the welfare of these children is not his responsibility. This fly's in the face of the comments he made before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva where he expressed his concern for homeless children.
"The lack of action on Minister Kelly’s behalf clearly illustrates that the care of these children is not a priority for him. Just who exactly in Government is responsible for addressing the issue of child homelessness?
"Fine Gael and Labour have prioritised tax cuts for the wealthy over investment in services. They have starved local authorities of the necessary funding to invest in social housing. Fianna Fáil is committed to significant investment in housing in the coming years. We will ensure that every child has a place they can call home," said Deputy Troy.
(MH/LM)
Deputy Troy accused both the Minister for Children James Reilly and Minister for Environment Alan Kelly of having "abdicated their responsibility for dealing with this issue".
"Fine Gael and Labour have an appalling record when it comes to preventing child homelessness and assisting those living in emergency accommodation," Deputy Troy said.
"Over 1,500 children are currently living in emergency accommodation each night. This is having a detrimental impact on the personal development of these children.
"Last July I questioned Minister Reilly in the Dáil and asked him what he was doing to assist children living in emergency accommodation. His response was to say that the welfare of these children is not his responsibility. This fly's in the face of the comments he made before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva where he expressed his concern for homeless children.
"The lack of action on Minister Kelly’s behalf clearly illustrates that the care of these children is not a priority for him. Just who exactly in Government is responsible for addressing the issue of child homelessness?
"Fine Gael and Labour have prioritised tax cuts for the wealthy over investment in services. They have starved local authorities of the necessary funding to invest in social housing. Fianna Fáil is committed to significant investment in housing in the coming years. We will ensure that every child has a place they can call home," said Deputy Troy.
(MH/LM)
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