Rachel Murphy who works for Focus Ireland and her three-year-old son Billy helped launch the charity's Christmas campaign

MORE than 800 children were made homeless in the first 10 months of this year, according to a charity.

And the housing crisis shows no sign of stopping, with 45 Dublin families losing their homes in the last month alone.

Meanwhile, the number of people sleeping rough in the capital has risen by 20pc, according to Focus Ireland, which launched its Christmas campaign yesterday.

Founder of Focus Ireland Sister Stanislaus Kennedy said: "Rents rocketed by 17pc in Dublin and also increased nationwide.

"Families and single people struggle to keep up with their rent but many lose this battle and become homeless.

"The Government has voiced concern on the issue but the simple truth is it could stop more families and single people losing their homes tomorrow with the stroke of a pen, by raising rent supplements to match market rents," she said.

Donations can be made by calling 1850 204 205 or at www.focusireland.ie.

Meanwhile, Lord Mayor of Dublin Christy Burke reacted angrily after Environment Minister Alan Kelly cancelled a meeting with councillors on the issue of the homeless crisis in the capital.

Mr Burke said the homeless problem "must be the minister's top priority" as the numbers sleeping rough has increased dramatically.

"I'm very disappointed that Minister Kelly would cancel this scheduled meeting - which we have been seeking for many months now," he said.

"I'm available day and night to meet him because this is a crisis that is just spiralling out of control."

Irish Independent