Eamon Gilmore
Question:79 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the total number of people who are homeless here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8815/03]
Priority Questions. - Local Authority Housing.
The most recent 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 2002. The data in relation to local authority housing waiting lists, which have been finalised and published, show that a total of 2,468 homeless households were considered to be in need of, and suitable for, local authority housing.
A further separate assessment of the total number of homeless people, whether seeking local authority housing, was also carried out by local authorities in co-operation with the voluntary housing organisations as part of the assessment of housing need. As well as the 2,468 households who are seeking local authority housing and for whom local authority housing is appropriate, this assessment includes people who are living in long-term supported accommodation for homeless people and are not seeking alternative accommodation. The outcome of this assessment is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.
The Minister of State has not answered my simple question. I wish to ascertain the total number of homeless people in the country. He has given me half an answer and has indicated that a further examination is under way. I cannot understand why he will not answer my question. How many people in the country are homeless? Local authorities have compiled assessments of housing needs and homelessness action plans while there is an agency to deal with homelessness in Dublin. Why can the Minister of State not provide me with a straight answer?
The assessment indicated a figure of 2,468.
By the Minister of State's own admission that is an under-estimate. It is the number seeking local authority housing. There are others who are homeless.
That is the case. While they would not seek local authority housing they would be in accommodation, including sheltered accommodation, because they might be unable to live on their own.
How many are there?
Two different studies have been done on this.
The Minister of State is responsible for housing. Surely he knows the number of people in the country who are homeless.
The total number might be the same again. However, they are not necessarily homeless. I understand the number of homeless people on the streets of Dublin has been calculated at 79. A number of people may be included in the loose category of the homeless. They are looked after by the various voluntary agencies with assistance from the Department and would be in long-term sheltered accommodation.
Two different studies have been undertaken by the ESRI and the local authorities which have produced different figures in the Dublin context. A new count was taken a few weeks ago and the figures will be available shortly. There was a disagreement over the earlier two studies because they were compiled on a different basis. One surveyed those using homelessness services while the other surveyed those in accommodation for the homeless. There are no definite figures for each category. For example, some who are in their own or local authority homes use homelessness services. A report undertaken in recent weeks is trying to produce a revised figure by merging the findings of the two earlier reports.
What is the figure?
It is not yet available.
The Minister of State, who is responsible for housing, cannot indicate the number of people in the country who are homeless. He has referred to various reports, yet he cannot provide a figure. He has been in office for almost 12 months and he should be able to answer my question. How many people in the country are homeless?
I have answered the Deputy's question.
He has not. I do not want a lecture, I just want to know how many are homeless.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle
The Minister of State cannot answer the question until the Deputy resumes his seat.
According to the most recent local authority assessment, 2,468 families are homeless.
The Minister of State knows that is not the correct figure. He admits it only relates to those who are actively seeking local authority housing and that many more people are homeless who have not been counted. The Minister of State is concealing this information. Numerous studies have been done, including local authority housing assessments, homeless action plans and reports from agencies for the homeless.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle
A question for the Minister of State.
Why is the Minister of State with responsibility for housing concealing the number of people in the country who are homeless? Is it because he is ashamed of it? He says that in Dublin 79 people are homeless. In any given evening, 79 homeless people will be found in doorways between this House and O'Connell Bridge.
The number reported stands at 2,468. If the Deputy or others have proper data that indicate otherwise I will be pleased to receive it.
The Minister of State knows that is not the correct figure.
A total of 79 homeless people have been found on the streets of Dublin.
That is ridiculous. If the Minister of State believes that figure he is living in fairyland.