Vol. 525 No. 3
157 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the new proposals he is considering to deal with the situation of the homeless, particularly in the major urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24793/00]
The Government's strategy on homelessness, which was published last May, provides for an integrated response to homelessness by all the agencies involved, both statutory and voluntary. As a key element of the strategy, local authorities and health boards are required to draw up local action plans, detailing how accommodation, health, settlement and welfare services will be provided to homeless persons by all of the agencies involved in these areas. This work is ongoing at present and I have urged local authorities to complete these plans as a matter of urgency.
I have made substantial additional funding available to local authorities to ensure that the measures in the strategy are implemented. Capital funding for the direct provision by local authorities of accommodation for homeless persons is being doubled from £20 million to £40 million over the next five years and current funding is being increased by £6 million per annum to increase bednight contribution rates to voluntary bodies and other support services.
Output in the voluntary housing sector will be increased to 4,000 units per year over the lifetime of the national development plan. It is expected that at least half of these units will be provided under the capital assistance scheme which is used extensively to provide special needs housing for certain groups, especially the homeless. In addition, the expanded local authority housing programme of 25,000 units over the four year period 2000-2003 will provide additional accommodation for homeless persons.
In the Dublin area, where there is the greatest incidence of homelessness, the Dublin Homeless Services Agency is currently being established to co-ordinate the delivery of all services to homeless persons and Dublin Corporation have recently advertised for the post of director of the agency.
I continue to encourage all local authorities either directly on their own or in association with voluntary bodies to develop and bring forward proposals for additional accommodation for homeless persons.
