Vol. 515 No. 3
83 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of homeless people at the end of 1999; the criteria used for this classification; if his attention has been drawn to efforts made in other countries to deal with homelessness; and the proposals, if any, he has in this regard. [5908/00]
The most recent assessment of local authority housing needs and of homeless persons was carried out in March 1999. Using a broader definition of homeless persons which includes those who have no accommodation, those in hostels and in health board accommodation, there were 5,234 persons categorised as homeless.
I am aware of efforts being made in other countries to tackle homelessness. The Government is committed to addressing the problem of homelessness, including, where possible, using the experience gained in other countries. This experience points towards the need for a comprehensive response to homelessness and this was acknowledged in the establishment of the cross-Department team on homelessness whose remit includes health, education, employment as well as accommodation needs. The team will present its report in the near future with recommendations on how the problem of homelessness should be addressed.
