There has been an increase in the number of people sleeping rough on the streets of Dublin over the past 18 months.

The Dublin Simon Community annual report recorded a 20% rise in people sleeping on the streets. The report shows an increase throughout each quarter of 2009 and 2010 in the number of people seeking help.

Last year 2,450 people sought assistance and so far this year 1,800 people have accessed Simon Community's various services, which include help for people sleeping on the streets, drug treatment services and supported housing.

The Government promised to end ending long-term homelessness and the need to sleep rough by 2010. There is no end to billions for bankers, but homeless services face cutbacks across the stste.