The Simon Communities are calling for there to be a specific Minister for Housing in the next government.

Under the last government there was a Minister of State for housing, however Paudie Coffey did not have a seat at the Cabinet table.

The Simon Communities say there needs to be a dedicated minister at Cabinet level to tackle homelessness and the housing crisis.

They say it is essential that any programme for government includes clear plans to eliminate long-term homelessness.

Spokesperson for the Simon Communities, Niamh Randall, said: "We cannot tell over 5000 people who are trapped in emergency accommodation, those sleeping rough on our streets tonight and every night and those living on the edge of homelessness to hang on for weeks of negotiations.

"We need the strong and determined leadership of a Minister for Housing, with a seat and vote at cabinet, given the extent of the growing crisis."

The Simon Community's Manifesto focuses on four core areas:

· Prevention and early intervention.

· Access to affordable housing for all.

· Rapid rehousing using a housing first approach.

· Provision of support in housing.”