I have noted the comments contained in Focus Ireland's annual report. A comprehensive assessment of housing needs, which included a count of the number of homeless persons, was carried out by local authorities at the end of March and I intend to publish the results shortly. According to the results of the 1999 assessment of needs there were 5,234 homeless persons, the great majority of whom were in homeless accommodation rather than on the streets.
As part of the Government's homeless strategy, local authorities together with health boards and voluntary bodies, are required to draw up local action plans to tackle homelessness. Most of the action plans are now completed and it is expected that the remaining plans will be completed shortly. A wide range of additional accommodation, ranging from emergency night shelter accommodation to long-term sheltered accommodation to enable homeless persons move out of emergency accommodation into long-term accommodation that is more suited to their needs, has been provided for and more will be provided as part of the full implementation of the action plans.
Substantial additional funding has been made available as part of the homeless strategy. Capital funding for the direct provision by local authorities of accommodation for homeless persons is being doubled from €25.4 million to €50.8 million over the period 2001-2005. Current funding for homeless services by local authorities has increased substantially from €12.6 million in 2000 to an expected €43 million this year.
Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 35.
Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 6.
