Vol. 525 No. 3
325 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the statistics on homelessness throughout the country; and the proposals he has to carry out up to date detailed surveys and improved information systems in this regard. [25009/00]
Section 9 of the Housing Act, 1988, provides for an assessment, at least every three years, by local authorities of the need for the provision of adequate and suitable housing accommodation.
The results of the last local authority assessment of housing needs in March 1999 indicated that 3,743 households, or 5,234 persons, were assessed as homeless. This is based on a broad definition of homeless persons which includes those who have no accommodation, those in hostels and those in health board accommodation. Of the 5,234 homeless persons, 49.54%, or 2,593, were male, 26.73%, or 1,399, were female and 23.73%, or 1,242, were children.
The results of this assessment were published by my Department in October 1999 and copies are available in the Oireachtas Library.
As part of the Government's strategy on homelessness, a homeless forum is being established at each city and county level three year action plans are being drawn up to meet the needs of homeless persons in their areas. 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. As part of the development of these plans, I have asked that all existing services for the homeless be examined with a view to identifying any service gaps or deficiencies which exist, together with appropriate responses to deal with these gaps or deficiencies. These action plans will include up to date information on the scale of homelessness.
