Kelly clashes with McVerry on hostel accomodation

Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly has said the Government will supply "whatever funding is necessary" to deal with homelessness and he expects this year's increase in funding to double.

Mr Kelly had earlier criticised homeslessness campaigner Fr Peter McVerry’s comments that homeless people should avoid sleeping in emergency hostels.

The priest told Renua Ireland’s think-in that he had personally advised homeless people to sleep rough.

Speaking on RTÉ Morning Ireland, Mr Kelly disagreed with Fr McVerry's assessment of emergency hostels, saying there were over 120 drug free and alcohol free beds available.

“Of course there are going to be issues inside homeless shelters,” said Mr Kelly. “These people have very complex problems in many cases. But it is wrong to say that there are no areas where there are no beds alcohol and drugs free.”

“We’re putting more money into homelessness than ever before and whatever is required we’ll put forward,” said the Minister. “There’s no issue here in relation to budget. Within reason, we would supply whatever funding is necessary. We’ve a 20 per cent increase in funding for homelessness this year, I expect that to double.”

Asked whether he planned to introduce rent controls or caps in the upcoming budget, Mr Kelly said he recognised the need to deal with the rent issue whereby in some cases people were being pushed from their homes onto the streets.

In February, Mr Kelly called on Fr McVerry to be more positive in his comments on the housing and homelessness crisis.