Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2004
36 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether there is a data deficit on the issue of housing and homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32767/04]
View answer
At present, local authorities undertake an assessment of homelessness as part of the triennial assessment of housing need. The next assessment will be undertaken at the end of March 2005. The need to improve data on homelessness is recognised. In Dublin, the Homeless Agency, with the support of my Department, has introduced the LINK system in co-operation with service providers. Similar improvements to data collection and analysis on homelessness are being considered in other local authority areas where there are a significant number of homeless persons.
The issue of improved data collection will also be addressed as part of the development of an integrated information technology, IT, package for housing for all local authorities, which is underway at present, as well as the forthcoming review of the Government's strategy on homelessness.
