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Number of children housed in hotels and B&Bs 'demoralising', charity says

Number of children housed in hotels and B&Bs 'demoralising', charity says

Almost 60% of all children living in emergency accommodation in Dublin are housed in hotels and B&Bs, according to children's charity Barnardos.

Barnardos is highlighting that the number of children living in those types of accommodation remains high.

It also draws attention to a deadline set 12 months ago by former Minister for Housing, Simon Coveney, to end the use of hotels and B&Bs as temporary accommodation for families, except when in very limited circumstances.

Fergus Finlay, CEO, Barnardos said: “Minister Coveney promised to end the use of hotels and B&Bs for families experiencing homelessness by July 2017.

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"One year on it is beyond demoralising to think almost 4,000 children are living in emergency accommodation, so many of which are in hotels and B&Bs.

"Barnardos is delivering a petition with over 4,000 signatures to the Government calling for no child to spend more than six months in emergency accommodation – and for a longterm solution to be provided.

“Life in emergency accommodation is filled with uncertainty, insecurity and strife. While family hubs at least offer a more appropriate setting for children, it is clear now the likely majority of children continue to be accommodated in hotels and B&Bs."

"This is wildly unsuitable accommodation – offering no semblance of a stable home environment. Families live out of suitcases, having given away or stored many of their belongings, never settling, always aware that they may have to move on,” he said.

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Latest figures from Dublin City Council show that in April 2018 there were 791 families and 1,651 children living in hotels and B&Bs in Dublin alone.

The charity points out that monthly figures issued from Department of Housing do not give a breakdown of the number of children living in different emergency accommodation types.

- Digital Desk

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