The Irish Hotels Federation said it's aware of issues that some hotels have had with guests in emergency accommodation but that it was a matter for individual hotels.

But it said it highlights how unsuitable hotels are for long-term accommodation.

IHF Statement:

"There are times of the year when hotels have surplus accommodation, which they can make available to agencies to provide temporary accommodation for families affected by the housing shortage.

"All arrangements are handled directly between the local authorities and the individual hotels concerned. The IHF is aware that there have been issues concerning some guests in emergency accommodation.

"Guest relations is a matter for individual hotels and in such instances the hotels would have taken the necessary steps to resolve the matter or bring to the notice of the appropriate authorities.

"What these issues do, however, is highlight how unsuitable hotels are for long-term accommodation. Hotels were not planned, built, fitted out or marketed on the basis of providing long-term accommodation for families.

"This is a very difficult situation for those affected and requires a long-term solution as the use of hotel accommodation can only be seen as a short-term and temporary measure."

