Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 4

Written Answers. - Strategy on Homelessness.

Ivor Callely

Question:

155 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the short-term measures which can be introduced to address the problem and associated problems of homelessness especially people homeless in the Dublin area; if having regard to Parliamentary Question No. 94 of 25 May 2000, he will invested £20 million funding over a five year period given the high number of homeless in Dublin if this funding will be utilised over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18862/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

As part of the Government's integrated strategy on homelessness, local authorities and health boards are drawing up local action plans which I have asked them to complete within the next three months. These plans will detail how accommodation, health, settlement and welfare services will be provided to homeless persons by all of the agencies involved in providing these services.

An additional £20 million in capital funding will be provided over the next five years for the provision of additional sheltered accommodation to cater for the permanent accommodation needs of long-term homeless persons who are able to live semi-independently and I will be encouraging all local authorities, including those in the Dublin area, to undertake the development of this additional accommodation as quickly as possible. This additional funding will supplement the £4 million capital allocation which is available annually from my Department to fund the purchase of suitable premises for use as move-on accommodation, whether medium-term or long-term, for homeless persons who are long-term residents in hostels. It is a matter for local authorities, in the first instance, including those in the Dublin area, to submit proposals to my Department regarding the use of this funding for the purchase of additional accommodation for homeless persons. I would, however, welcome proposals from local authorities who wish to accelerate the provision of accommodation for homeless persons.