An estimated 1/3 of all Irish council houses are believed to be lying empty even though, as called tent villages of homeless people were reported in Dublin and Cork. Many have enquired of fine gael about the homeless situation versus accommodation lying vacant in Ireland over the past years, to be met with silence – even though figures substantiate no reason for homelessness. Politics of receiving a council dwelling of an acceptable standard is not always understood by everyone, some of whom receive preferential treatment.
The crisis of homelessness in Ireland was believed to be the criteria for the new housing assistance payment, but the buying up of properties by n.a.m.a may have resulted in thought to be unprecedented scarcity of rental accommodation available to Irish residents.