The Dublin Region Homeless Executive has told Newstalk that between April and June of this year, there were 1,185 children homeless each night.

The figures from the Executive state that:

• 1,975 adult individuals were accommodated on a nightly basis between April and June.  556 of these are families who are accompanied by  1,185 children each night, 73% of whom were accommodated with their families in hotels
• On a daily basis, staff in the Dublin Local Authority placement services are making in excess of 200 emergency placements in the Dublin Region

They stated that they are implementing a number of measures in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and other agencies which include acquisition of additional housing units for homeless households, a local authority state funded homeless action team and an intensive leasing campaign.

Meanwhile the Department of the Environment has moved to defend the government's efforts on the issue.

"Addressing the issue of homelessness is a top priority for Minister Kelly and his Cabinet colleagues," a statement from the department's press office said.  

"Minister Kelly is aware of the level of public concern in relation to homeless families and the ending of involuntary long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 is a key objective of this Government."

Responding to criticism from the Lord Mayor of Dublin and President of Focus Ireland, Sr. Stan the department says ending involuntary long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 is a key objective of this Government.

"Minister Kelly has recently tasked a senior group of officials in his Department with urgently examining the emerging issues with a view to preparing a comprehensive and significant plan in response to the evolving homeless situation," the statement said.

Críona Ní Dálaigh, Lord Mayor of Dublin, spoke to Newstalk Lunchtime today and told presenter Jonathan Healy that she has been asking Mr Kelly for a meeting since the 29th of June about what she describes as an emergency.

"I wasn't just looking for the meeting for me. I had asked him to sit down with a couple of politicians from Dublin City Council which is a cross party company, so that represents all parties including his own.

"I've been asking week on week since then for this meeting. All I got was replies saying, yes this is a serious issue and is a priority and he will meet with me.

"He only confirmed last Friday that he is actually going to meet with CPG on the 2nd of September. That's still too far away, i want to meet with him now."

You can listen to her interview here: