Fine Gael TDs last night joined a protest against homelessness by Young Fine Gael members, who slept outside the gates of Leinster House.
Young Fine Gael has worked closely over recent months with both the Simon Community and Threshold to research the numbers forced to sleep on Irish streets at night.
"This is the legacy of the Celtic Tiger. Many of us were left behind by the Tiger, never reaping the benefits that the Government constantly assured us were there to be gained," said Young Fine Gael.
Official figures estimate that 5,274 people are homeless in Ireland, though the group said the figures are "inaccurate".
"They only count those sleeping in doorways between 3.30 and 5.30 a.m. They don't count those in temporary or in overnight accommodation," said Ms Lucinda Creighton of Young Fine Gael.
The Government must change legislation to force local authorities to take action to house the homeless as part of their housing development plans, she said.
"I can't say that I have much hope that the Government will act," she told The Irish Times.