Focus Ireland says that emergency accommodation used for homeless families is scarce as the tourism sector continues to thrive.

Hotels and B&Bs are booked out as holidaymakers flock to Ireland and many homeless families are finding it increasingly difficult to find a bed.

Yesterday the Department of the Environment published new figures which show there has been a 55% rise in the number of families presenting homeless in the country since the start of the year.

The report shows that in the first six months of this year the number of families seeking immediate help increased from 401 to 620.

There were over 1,300 children in emergency accommodation during the same period - representing a 52% rise.

Sister Stanislaus Kennedy from Focus Ireland says a lack of social housing is to blame for the dramatic increase;