Focus Ireland welcomes the announcement that Labour TD for Limerick Jan O’ Sullivan is to be promoted to the cabinet, as Minister of State for Housing and Homelessness, following Willie Penrose’s resignation from the government earlier this year.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ms O Sullivan on her appointment and look forward to working together to end homelessness.

Focus Ireland CEO Joyce Loughnan said: “We particularly welcome the fact that the Housing and Homeless portfolio continues to occupy the ‘’super junior ‘’ position as this is a recognition that Ireland is in the middle of a housing crisis. With waiting lists of almost 100,000 and a similar number at risk of losing their homes due to mortgage and rent arrears, Focus Ireland had stressed the importance of having a voice for people who are homeless at the cabinet table.”

She continued:

“The crucial task is to ensure that those homes which NAMA already owns and which are suitable for social housing are made available to deal with this crisis. We look forward to working with Minister O’Sullivan to achieve this goal and end long-term homelessness by the end of 2013.”