Written Answers. - Support Services for DÍON.
Enda Kenny
Question:
155
Mr. E. Kenny
asked the
Minister for Enterprise and Employment
if he will provide further facilities and support services for DÍON in view of the increasing number of homeless Irish citizens in London; whether he intends to visit centres in London dealing with homeless Irish citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The problem of homelessness amongst the Irish community in Britain is a matter of very serious concern to the Government.
I would remind the Deputy that the provision of accommodation in Britain is essentially a matter for the relevant authorities in that country. However, various studies have shown that the Irish are substantially over-represented amongst both those who are street-homeless and those who must avail themselves of temporary and hostel accommodation.
DÍON, the advisory committee on emigrant welfare, has helped to highlight this over-representation through its funding of certain research projects. One very important study funded by DÍON of the whole question of Irish homelessness was the research by CARA called "Access to Housing for Irish Single Homeless People". This research looked at the policy and practice of housing associations and local authorities with regard to the Irish homeless. It had a two-fold benefit for the Irish in London. Firstly, it helped to highlight to these organisations the particular plight of the Irish homeless and, secondly, an additional 500 bedspaces were secured for Irish clients as a result of the research.
I am pleased to record that DÍON is fully supportive of the direct efforts by the large number of individuals and organisations within the Irish community in Britain who are tackling the specifically Irish dimensions of the problem of homelessness. DÍON in recent years has given priority consideration to applications from organisations concerned with supporting the homeless.
I would also like to remind the Deputy that, despite the fall off in net emigration and the severe budgetary situation, the Government has maintained the DÍON allocation at £500,000 per annum for the last four years, because of its concern for the continuing needs of emigrants in Britain.
The primary focus of grant-aid from DÍON is to support the salary costs of providing professional advice and welfare services. In the 1992 allocation of DÍON grants, virtually all those who received grants were involved in one way or another in trying to address the housing needs of the Irish emigrants. The three Irish housing associations, i.e., Innisfree, CARA and An Teach, who provide accommodation at reasonable rents for Irish emigrants, all received money from the DÍON allocation. DÍON also granted support for others such as the Homeless Concern projects based in Cricklewood, Acton, Baron's Court and Southwark Day Centres which provide for the needs of those who are homeless or in sub-standard accommodation by providing them with a drop-in centre where meals and clothing as well as advice on other services is available.
DÍON also funds three non-Irish West End advice agencies in London which come into contact with vulnerable and ill-prepared young Irish emigrants who arrive without prior preparation and require immediate assistance.
An important development in DÍON activity in recent years has been the development of links with the statutory bodies in London and the UK generally which can help provide valuable resources to tackle the needs of Irish homeless people. In particular, DÍON has established close ties with the London Borough Grant Unit which also joint funds, with DÍON, voluntary agencies tackling various aspects of Irish homelessness, e.g. An Teach, the London Irish Women's Centre. DÍON has also established links with the Housing Corporation — now the main source of housing provision in Britain. In turn, the Housing Corporation has grant aided a number of new Irish housing projects to the tune of many millions of pounds.
I hope the Deputy will agree that quite a great deal is being done to assist Irish homeless persons in Britain. The DÍON committee keeps me fully briefed on matters relating to the welfare of Irish emigrants in Britain. I shall of course, together with DÍON, be keeping the situation under review.
