Drug use, stealing and fights are the main three reasons why some homeless people don't take a bed in an emergency hostel.
That's according to the Peter McVerry Trust, which has called comments by the Dublin City Council CEO about tents 'simplistic.'
Owen Keegan said the tents should be banned from city streets because there's beds available.
He believes the use of tents in the city centre can create an unsafe image about Dublin.
However Fr Peter McVerry says homeless people feel safer using tents than using the emergency accommodation available.
Fr McVerry says while some accommodation is fit for purpose, the majority of emergency beds are not.
He says many of those availing of the accommodation could be put in a room with six or seven other people.
