Joint Statement from the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, and the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Revd Dr Laurence Graham:

We welcome the Government’s decision to convene an emergency housing summit this week to address the escalating homelessness crisis. Our hopes and prayers are that all who are involved in these talks will devote their energy and efforts to finding an innovative, well thought out, structured resolution for all those who are most deeply affected by homelessness.

While accepting that homelessness has many causes and there is no ‘one size fits all solution’, we believe it is imperative that the Government take the brave decisions needed to tackle the crisis that has been an increasing scandal for our country. The flow of families and individuals into homelessness must be addressed urgently.

We express our sorrow at the recent deaths of people who have become homeless. We also continue to pray for all who are affected by homelessness and those who seek to serve them. We appeal for constructive compassion as a matter of extreme urgency.