The Simon Communities says the number of people in emergency accommodation increased by 40% during last year.

In December, there were 5,241 adults and children in emergency accommodation.

The number of homeless families increased by 90% during the year, with 775 in December.

Adults in emergency accommodation rose by 34% in Dublin, 31% in Galway, 54% in Kildare and 32% in Louth last year.

Meanwhile Finance Correspondent with the Irish Times Ciaran Hancock says housing and homelessness are important issues on the election trail: