The Taoiseach has said he “totally rejects” claims that Fine Gael does not care enough about the homeless to solve the housing crisis.

The housing crisis was one of the main items on the agenda as Fine Gael’s annual think in got underway in Galway this morning.

Leo Varadkar said he recognises that the homelessness crisis is still going in the ‘wrong direction’ - but insisted there is "no quick fix” solution.

“I don’t think the rise in the number of people in emergency accommodation can be described as progress,” he said.

“It is evident to everyone that we are still going in the wrong direction when it comes to emergency accommodation – and we are by no means in denial about that.

“But it is something that we are working on and, just like the unemployment crisis or the economic crisis, it can take time for policies to work.”

He said the "vast majority of people understand this is a crisis that has been emerging for a very long time."

'Raise the Roof: Homes for All'

He was speaking as a number of opposition parties gave their backing to a national protest calling for a radical change in the Government’s approach to the crisis.

There are now 9,891 homeless people living in Ireland according to the latest Government figures - however homeless charities have warned that the actual figure may be far higher.

The 'Raise the Roof: Homes for All' rally will see demonstrators gathering outside the Dáil at 12:30pm on October 3rd.

Organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) along with a number of homeless charities, the rally will coincide with a cross-party Dáil motion calling for a radical change in policy and increased investment in social and affordable housing in the upcoming budget.

The motion has the support of all the opposition parties with the exception of Fianna Fáil – which is facilitating the Government through the confidence and supply arrangement.

Confidence and supply

The arrangement has come under pressure in recent days – after Fianna Fáil rejected the Taoiseach’s call for an extension and an agreed 2020 date for the next election.

Party leader Micheál Martin said there will be no talks on an extension until Budget 2019 is agreed and announced.

Fianna Fáil has pledged to use its negotiations with Fine Gael to ensure budget 2019 is a housing budget.'

General election

The stand-off has led to fears a General election could be called sooner rather than later.

This morning, Mr Varadkar said his party was not ‘battle ready’ – but admitted it is making arrangements.

“It is always prudent to be ready for all eventualities,” he said.

“Just as we are preparing for a no deal Brexit – even though we think that is unlikely to happen – obviously we have to prepared for a General Election were that to occur.”

He said candidates have already been chosen in all but four constituencies – with final selection conventions to take place in the coming weeks.