Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 3

Written Answers. - Homelessness Statistics.

Ivor Callely

Question:

236 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the estimated number of homeless people in the Dublin area for October 2000; if he will provide comparison figures for October 1999 and October 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24251/00]

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

The most recent assessment of local authority housing needs, including the needs of homeless persons, was carried out in March 1999. The assessment of the number of homeless persons was based on a broad definition which includes those with no accommodation, those in hostels and in health board accommodation and those staying with friends. The following are the results for the four Dublin local authorities;

Local Authority Area	Total No. of homeless persons
Dublin Corporation	3,640
South Dublin	167
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown	85
Fingal	26

My Department does not have statistics for the number of homeless people in the Dublin area for October 2000, however, the action plan on homelessness which is being finalised for the Dublin area should give an indication of the current number of homeless persons.