The government is coming under renewed attack following the publication of the latest homelessness figures.
They reveal almost 17 thousand people - including a record 5 thousand 321 children - started the new year in emergency accommodation.
It represents another rise in homelessness in November, up 230 on October and a 12 per cent rise over the past year.
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Aontú leader and Meath West TD Peader Tóibín says thousands of local authority homes are lying empty.
