Vol. 537 No. 3
50 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the main points contained in and the likely timetable for the initiative aimed at eliminating homelessness from the streets of Dublin, launched by the Taoiseach on 2 May 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15959/01]
62 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when it is expected that the Dublin action plan on homelessness will be finalised and published; the main features of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15963/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 62 together.
The Dublin action plan on homelessness was launched by the Taoiseach on 2 May 2001. The plan is a culmination of effort by the Dublin local authorities, the Homeless Agency, the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the voluntary sector and it charts a clear range of actions for tackling homelessness in the Dublin area over the next three years. I particularly welcome the publication of the comprehensive action plan and the Government will support its implementation by all of the agencies involved.
The aim of the plan is that by 2010 long-term homelessness and the need for people to sleep rough in the streets will be eliminated in Dublin. Where homelessness does occur it is the aim of the action plan to ensure it will be short-term and all people who are homeless will be assisted into housing that is appropriate to their needs.
The plan sets out a new integrated delivery system which will provide co-ordinated care for people who are homeless to assist them to progress into long-term housing. It will do this through a partnership approach so that agencies providing services for the homeless will work together under the leadership of the Homeless Agency to deliver better results.
