Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Homeless Persons.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

836 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason a hostel in the South Western Area Health Board in the Eastern Health Authority Region is paid £8 per night bed and breakfast per person and other operators are paid much higher rates for accommodation of homeless people; the further reason they are paid a rate for staying open during the day only when a family is staying in hostel accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1812/01]

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

There is a range of accommodation provided for homeless persons, from emergency hostel accommodation to transitional and long-term accommodation. Under section 10 of the Housing Act, 1988 my Department provides 90% recoupment to local authorities for expenditure on the provision of accommodation for homeless persons.

The section 10 bed-night contribution rate is agreed between the local authority and the voluntary body based on the level of homeless need involved. My Department has recommended that the minimum rate should be £10 per bed night and this is set out in the Government's integrated strategy on homelessness. Higher rates may be agreed if individual circumstances warrant it, but my Department is consulted in advance of any such agreement. I have no information on the hostel referred to but if the Deputy could provide some details I will have the circumstances examined.

Question No. 837 answered with Question No. 777.

Question No. 838 answered with Question No. 763.