Ruadhán Jones
Aontù leader Peadar Tóibín has called for an “urgent inquiry” following a “huge increase” in homeless deaths this year.
50 homeless people have died this year, compared with 34 and 35 in the last two years according to figures from Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE).
This is despite more than 1,500 people exiting homelessness this year.
Tragedy
Speaking to The Irish Catholic, TD Peadar Tóibín called on the Government to investigate the “spiralling” death rate.
“Each and every death is a heart-breaking tragedy, these are individuals who are the most exposed and the most vulnerable individuals in society,” the Meath TD said.
“I have seen no general trend or reason for why there is a spike…I can only, only imagine that Covid is playing some role in this. Unfortunately, there has been no research by the Government into this case.”
The DRHE’s figures revealed that there were 10 deaths in July and eight in August. Mr Tóibín said the figures include “a larger number of younger people than you would expect”.
“Now is the time for an immediate inquiry into why the death rate among homeless people is spiralling out of control as we face into a period of cold weather,” Peadar Tóibín said.