Advertisement“Kate began playing with Athenry Camogie Club at underage level and quickly progressed to senior A level with great distinction. She holds a Feile, county minor and other titles. She played in a club All-Ireland intermediate final.

AdvertisementIn 2021, Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien commissioned a report by Austin O'Carroll following the spike in homeless deaths.Dr O'Carroll recommended that mortality rates could be cut by ending long-term homelessness as the mortality rate rises significantly once a person has been in emergency accommodation for more than 18 months.

He also advised that an outreach mental health team should be established and that work should be done to cut overdose-related fatalities.Dr O'Carroll's reported suggests that lower life expectancy and higher mortality rates associated with social disadvantage and addiction are the primary reasons for the excess rate of mortality among people living in homelessness compared with the general population.Advertisement'Cause of great concern'Commenting on the rising number of homeless deaths, aspokesperson for the Department of Housing said addressing homelessness is a "key priority" for the Government.

"The death of any person experiencing homelessness is a cause of great concern and this matter is being taken very seriously. It is important to establish the facts concerning the circumstances involved, and that a response is based on the best knowledge and evidence available," they said.At present, a pilot study on data collection of homeless deaths is being undertaken nationally by the Health Research Board on behalf of the Department of Health.

According to the Department of Housing, 17,000 files from all coroner districts are being reviewed.

"The department will engage with the Department of Health on completion of this study," they said.Advertisement"The plan is a robust plan. It covers both public and private. No one is revising down our targets. We are fully aware of the challenges that present themselves."

Video news Video: Inflation reaches 22-year high, call for ho... Read More The Minister for Housing also confirmed that homes will be released under the Fair Deal Scheme"Yes it is going to happen, and it was happening anyway prior to the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. This isn't a specific measure in relation to the humanitarian response.

"We estimate that there is about 8,000 homes vacant right now. The legislation for the change will be made before the summer recess."It is a decision the homeowner and the family will make. It is really important that the State uses every lever in its power to get homes back in to use."