Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 5

Written Answers - Strategy on Homelessness.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

166 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if the homeless integrated strategy is now in place in each health board; if so, the sums contributed by each board towards its implementation; if he is satisfied that procedures are in place for applications for funding under the strategy; the measures he proposes to take where the strategy is not in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13117/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The report of the cross-departmental team on homelessness, Homelessness – An Integrated Strategy, was published in May 2000 and is currently being implemented by my Department, the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the other Departments concerned.

The main elements of the strategy are the establishment of a homeless forum in every city and county and the preparation of three year action plans by the local authorities and health boards, together with the voluntary bodies. I understand that the homeless fora have been established in all areas, save one, where the first meeting has been arranged for 17 May 2001. In the areas where the local fora have been established, work on the local action plans is progressing well. The plan for the Dublin area has already been completed and was launched on 2 May 2001.

Another key element of the strategy is the commitment that the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform each have institutions under their aegis and each will develop and publish strategies to prevent homelessness among those at risk leaving institutional care. My Department's preventive strategy is nearing completion and is due to be published shortly as part of an overall preventive strategy, combining the strategies of all Government Departments concerned into one composite document.

The strategy also made a commitment that the Department of Health and Children would provide £6 million funding in the current year. My Department has allocated this funding to the health boards as follows:

Health Board	Total Allocation
Western Health Board	£630,000
Southern Health Board	£1,000,000
South-Eastern Health Board	£250,000
North-Western Health Board	£100,000
North-Eastern Health Board	£200,000
Mid-Western Health	£430,000
Midland Health Board	£100,000
Eastern Regional Health Authority	£3,290,000
Total	£6,000,000

It is a matter for each health board to examine applications for funding from the various agencies concerned and to allocate funding according to priority.