However, Focus Ireland warned of “potential increases in the coming months” and called on the Government to reintroduce the eviction ban and rent freeze to protect people fully during COVID-19.

To be adequately housed means having security of tenure – not having to worry about eviction. It means having the right to live somewhere in peace and dignity with access to appropriate services, schools, and employment.

The study, carried out by Dr Paula Mayock and Sarah Parker of Trinity’s School of Social Work and Social Policy, highlights causes of homelessness among young people, including family breakdown, leaving State care, early school leaving and lack of access to employment.

In 2015 the Peter McVerry Trust completed 19 acquisitions and returned 26 voids back into social housing.