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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Jul 1979

Vol. 315 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Homeless Persons.

27.

asked the Minister for Health if any estimate exists of the number of homeless men and women in the country; the number availing of accommodation provided by the various health boards on a casual basis; and the plans, if any, to solve this problem.

No estimate is readily available of the numbers of homeless men and women in the country or of the numbers availing of accommodation provided by health boards for persons on a casual basis. However, health boards are being asked for the information and I will communicate the outcome to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Accommodation for such persons has traditionally been provided in association with arrangements for long-term shelter and maintenance of the elderly. In replacing or extending such accommodation, health boards now endeavour to make separate provisions for casuals. This would normally be done in association with voluntary organisations.

Does the Minister agree that this is a growing problem and that there seems to be a big increase in the number of young-able-bodied men drifting around the country, who do not seem to have a medical problem but who are availing of the facilities of these institutions? Quite often these young men are quite troublesome and upset the people who live in the institutions.

I would not accept that the situation is as menacing as the Deputy suggests. It is a problem but I believe that the existing facilities are coping with it in general, if not in some particular area. If the Deputy is aware of an area in which there is a problem he should let me know about it.

Are there any criteria for the admission of such persons to these institutions? Are they admitted only on medical grounds or is any Tom, Dick or Harry allowed to stay overnight?

There are no criteria.

How soon does the Minister hope to have statistics on the number of such persons?

As soon as they come to hand I will let the Deputy have them.

28.

asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of children in the country under the age of 18 years who have no permanent accommodation, and the plans to solve this growing problem.

It is not possible to give a precise figure of the number of children under the age of 18 years who have no permanent accommodation. However, I am aware that there is a problem with regard to a small number of children living rough, usually in large urban centres.

Many of these young people, because of difficult family circumstances, do not live at home. Health boards endeavour to provide facilities for children who do not live at home and who are in need of care. The number of places available for such children is kept under continual review.

There are 45 residential homes for the care of children. In addition, health boards, together with the Departments of Education and Justice, support a number of hostels run by voluntary groups which provide accommodation for homeless and other young people in need of special care.

In the Eastern Health Board area arrangements to provide additional residential accommodation for travelling children are almost completed and the existing accommodation and facilities at Trudder House are being improved.

I am aware that the voluntary bodies and the health boards are doing good work in this area but it is still a growing problem and the number of homeless children seems to be increasing. Has the Minister definite plans to abate the problem?

All health boards are aware of the problem. The Eastern Health Board's plans are well advanced to deal with the problem. I know that the South-Eastern Health Board, of which the Deputy is a member, are also actively engaged in providing additional accommodation. I am not sure that it is an increasing problem.

Has the Minister any definite plans to deal with the problem in Dublin which is definitely increasing?

Yes. We have a residential unit which is almost ready.

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