The Taoiseach says he would not want to see another 25,000 people or families to lose their homes over the coming years.

Late last year, the homeless campaigner Father Peter McVerry warned drastic action and legislation was needed to prevent that number of evictions and repossessions.

He urged the Government to do something to help with mortgage arrears and to address the issue of vulture funds kicking people out of homes.

Enda Kenny says it is an issue they have already been tackling, suggesting: "I don't expect that number of people to be removed from their houses. I don't want to see that.

"As you know the Government brought in a whole suite of measures to allow for people who have difficulties - either in mortgage arrears or serious mortgage arrears - to move on with their lives and make arrangements in respect of their accommodation."

Homelessness figures reached record highs last year.

2016 also saw the launch of the Action Plan for Housing, as part of the Government's efforts to tackle the housing problem. 

Most recently, rent caps were introduced in the so-called pressure zones of Dublin and Cork that would see rent increases limited to 4% per year.

Meanwhile, it is reported that only 22 modular houses for homeless families were completed by the end of last year.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney had promised that more than 300 rapid-build homes would be under construction by the end of 2016.

According to The Irish Times, however, only 130 are underway.

It comes as the Master of the High Court warns the Government is failing to protect people facing repossession.

Ross Maguire of New Beginnings told The Pat Kenny Show: "He's referring to European law [...] He's saying essentially that county registrars - who are the people who make orders for repossessions - are not really qualified to do that."