asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the increasing hardship caused to many single homeless persons by the decision of some health boards to close casual facilities in county homes and geriatric hospitals; if he will confirm that responsibility for the provision of accommodation for single homeless persons still rests with the health boards; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the provision of accommodation for homeless single persons.
Written Answers. - Single Homeless Persons.
255.
I am not aware of any instances of hardship caused to single homeless people through non-availability of casual facilities in some county homes or geriatric hospitals. All health boards have arrangements for providing shelter and maintenance for homeless persons. Those boards which do not provide these facilities in their own institutions subvent voluntary and religious organisations which run hostels or shelters. Where necessary, health boards also make arrangements and pay for single homeless people and families in rented accommodation such as flats, houses, mobile homes and caravans.
Responsibility for providing permanent accommodation for homeless people rests with local authorities. Health boards are responsible for providing shelter and maintenance for persons who are unable to provide it for themselves.
An ad hoc committee representative of the Departments of Health and the Environment, health boards and local authorities is at present examining the position with a view to delineating the division of responsibilities between health boards and local authorities for providing accommodation for homeless people. I expect the ad hoc committee to report very soon.