Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 2

Written Answers. - Homeless Persons.

Ivor Callely

Question:

119 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of homeless people in the city of Dublin for each of the past years 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000; his views on whether there is a visible escalation of homelessness in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5201/01]

Ivor Callely

Question:

120 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the gender and age breakdown of homeless people; the consideration which has been given to ensuring adequate accommodation is available to accommodate homeless people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5202/01]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.

The most recent statutory assessment of housing needs, which was undertaken in March 1999, indicated that there were 3,640 homeless persons in the city of Dublin comprising 1,774 adult males, 990 adult females and 876 children. The 1999 assessment of the number of homeless persons was based on a much broader definition of homeless persons than the assessment undertaken in 1996 and includes those with no accom modation, those in hostels and in health board accommodation and those staying with friends. Some would be staying in temporary accommodation with family or friends until suitable accommodation becomes available. In 1996, the assessment indicated that there were 1,447 homeless persons in Dublin. My Department does not have information on the number of homeless persons for 1997 and 1998. The next statutory assessment of housing needs, including the number of homeless persons, will take place in March next year.

A key element of the Government's integrated strategy on homelessness is the recognition that there is a need to provide additional accommodation, both transitional and sheltered, to allow people who are living in emergency hostel accommodation to move to accommodation that is more suitable to their needs. Settlement programmes will be established to encourage and support hostel residents in their move to alternative accommodation and this will also help to free up spaces in emergency hostels.

The Government has made substantial current and capital funding available to ensure that the measures outlined in the strategy are implemented. Capital spending by local authorities on accommodation for the homeless is to be doubled from £20 million to £40 million over the five years, 2001-06. An extra £6 million per annum in current funding will be available from my Department to increase payments for the provision of hostel accommodation and to establish settlement and outreach services. Additional funding will also be available from health boards to fund care and welfare requirements. Voluntary bodies will also continue to be assisted to provide additional accommodation for homeless persons under the voluntary housing scheme operated by my Department.