Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Feb 2002

Vol. 550 No. 1

Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

50 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the findings of a recent survey undertaken by the Simon Community which found that over one-third of local authorities had no plan to tackle homelessness; the steps which are being taken to ensure that all local authorities provide the action programme on homelessness, which they were supposed to produce by December 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6960/02]

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

I am aware of the findings of the Simon Community's survey that a number of local authorities had not completed their action plans on homelessness.

Local authorities, working together with health boards and voluntary bodies, were asked, as part of the Government's homeless strategy, to prepare local action plans to tackle homelessness. The plans for the main urban areas, where there is the greatest incidence of homelessness, have been completed and are being implemented by the local authorities. The plans for other areas are almost complete and most of the outstanding plans will be finalised within the next two months.

My Department has written to local authorities who have not yet finalised their plans, urging them to complete them as soon as possible so that efforts can be concentrated on improving services for homeless persons.

Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 30.