asked the Minister for Health the shelter given under section 54 of the Health Act, 1953 to homeless people within the area of the North-Western Health Board; and the plans, if any, there are to provide a night shelter in Sligo.
Written Answers. - Homeless People.
727.
The North-Western Health Board provide shelter and maintenance for homeless people as required in St. Joseph's Hospital in Stranorlar, St. John's in Sligo and St. Patrick's in Carrick-on-Shannon.
A number of voluntary organisations receive grant aid from the board under section 65 of the Health Act, 1953 towards the cost of providing emergency accommodation for homeless people. In certain areas, shelter is provided by the board in rented facilities such as flats, houses, mobile homes and caravans. The board also make arrangements with bed-and-breakfast establishments from time-to-time as required.
The board are constructing a unit on the grounds of St. Columba's Psychiatric Hospital in Sligo which will accommodate ten persons. Construction work will be completed within the next month and the unit will be ready for occupation in the latter half of this year.