Gay Mitchell
Question:272 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will address the concerns of the Simon Communities of Ireland as set out in their Annual Review, 2001-2002. [21835/02]
Written Answers. - Simon Communities.
I have noted the matters raised by the Simon Communities of Ireland in its Annual Review 2001-2002, and officials of my Department have already met a representative of Simon to further discuss the issues raised in this report.
I assure the Deputy of the Government's continued commitment to tackling homelessness. Homelessness – An Integrated Strategy launched in May 2000 as part of the Governments Homeless Strategy, requires local authorities, together with health boards and voluntary bodies, to draw up local three year action plans to tackle homelessness. Most of these plans have now been completed and it is expected that the remaining few will be completed shortly.
A wide range of additional accommodation, ranging from emergency night shelter to long-term sheltered accommodation to enable homeless persons move out of emergency accommodation into long-term accommodation that is more suitable to their needs has already been provided and more will be provided in future years as part of the full implementation of the action plans.
Substantial additional funding has been made available as part of the homelessness strategy. Capital funding from my Department 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 2001-05. In addition, funding is available under the Department's capital assistance scheme to the voluntary sector for the provision of accommodation for homeless persons and a total of almost €500,000 will be paid to Simon under this scheme in 2002. Recoupment by my Department of current expenditure on homeless services by local authorities has increased significantly from €12.6 million in 1999 to an estimated €43 million this year, of which €2.8 million is payable to the Simon Communities. These increases are clear evidence of the Governments determination to address the issue of homelessness in a comprehensive and coordinated way.
The prevention of homelessness is also being addressed. The main aim of the homeless preventative strategy, which was launched in February 2002, is to ensure that no one is released from any type of State care without the appropriate measures in place to ensure that they have a suitable place to live with the necessary supports, if needed. This strategy was prepared by my Department in conjunction with the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; Education and Science; and Health and Children under the auspices of the cross-Department team on homelessness and contains measures to prevent homelessness among adult offenders, young offenders, those leaving mental health facilities and acute hospitals, and young people leaving care.
The implementation of both the integrated and preventative strategies is being monitored by the cross-Department team on homelessness with a view to identifying and addressing any obstacles to progress. I have asked that the issues raised in the Simon Annual Review be considered by the team.