First, let me take this opportunity to pay tribute to voluntary bodies throughout the country for the work they are doing in trying to meet the needs of the homeless and many other sectors of our community. Nowhere else in the world would you find people who are so committed. Irrespective of what may be said, we could not provide the service were it not for those people.
I do not accept, however, that the position has not improved because it has. Increased resources have been provided. For instance, in Dublin Focus Point have provided 96 units at Stanhope Green while 155 units have been provided at Iveagh House hostel. In addition, the Salvation Army at Granby Place, Dublin and the Simon Community in both Dublin and Cork have also provided units. Every effort is being made in close co-operation with my Department.
This is not just a problem for the Department of the Environment; it is also a problem for the Departments of Health and Social Welfare. For this reason the co-ordinating body, with the Eastern Health Board and other relevant bodies, are monitoring the situation. As a result of co-ordination and the close links between the voluntary and statutory bodies the position is improving. I agree that more work must be done but I am satisfied that improvements are taking place.