The January homeless figures were back up to 10,271 after a one-month dip in December 2019.

There were month-on-month decreases across all demographic and accommodation categories represented in the Department of Housing’s reports.

With the numbers becoming homeless increasing every month, providers are having to run to stand still – Focus Ireland.

“It seems to be almost explicit Government policy that people are expected to live below that poverty line and we see the consequences” - Mike Allen of Focus Ireland.