Byrne welcomes passage of FG-Lab motion to reverse cuts to Dublin homeless budget

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has today (Wednesday) described the decision taken by Dublin City Council to reverse planned cuts to Dublin’s homeless budget as the correct one. Deputy Byrne was speaking after a motion from Fine Gael and Labour councillors was passed at last night’s council meeting.

“I am relieved that Dublin City Council has rowed back on its plans to cut its budget to tackle homelessness. The proposed €6 million cut could have had a very detrimental impact on the city’s ability to reduce homelessness and help those who find themselves on the streets.

“I understand that the Council is under considerable pressure to adhere to its budget, but I think the reduction in support for homeless services would have had a very negative impact. Homeless agencies had understandably voiced their opposition about the proposed cut, and I hope the reversal will ease concerns.

“On a national level, I am repeating my call for an audit of homelessness to be conducted, to get a precise picture of the scale of the problem. The completion of a national audit would feed into social housing provision and policy development in this area.

“Homelessness is a devastating problem for each and every individual involved. I am pleased that Dublin City Council has done its best to ring-fence crucial spending to help providing a long-term solution for those without a permanent roof over their heads.”

ENDS