Speaking row blow to homeless crisis

'Social catastrophe' worsened by Dail bickering

- CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

THE Dail speaking row has led to homelessness slipping further down the Government's agenda, The Salvation Army has said.

Residents in the charity's family and adult hubs in Dublin have been watching the political bickering "with a growing sense of disbelief", the charity's homeless services lead Erene Williamson said.

She added: "They are being told that homelessness is the country's number one priority, yet our service users feel nothing is being done to help them take that vital next step towards independent living."