The Government is being urged to increase the rent supplement to help tackle the homelessness crisis.

The Dublin Simon Community is making the call as figures show over 1,400 people are forced to take shelter in emergency accommodation every night.

The group says accommodation targets for this year to deal with the problem will not be met and the plan to end long term homelessness by 2016 is now unachievable.

Sam McGuinness of the Simon Community in Dublin explained what is needed in the short-term:

Mr McGuinness also points out that "just last week a volunteer group counted 158 people rough sleeping in Dublin, 24% more than the official count last April. We would see this as the absolute minimum figure, as this does not include people considered the 'hidden homeless' who are couch surfing, staying in squats, hospitals, internet cafes or temporary B&Bs."