Strategy on Homelessness.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2008

Tuesday, 1 July 2008

Questions (515)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

582 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 396 of 24 June 2008, if his attention has been drawn to the research carried out by the Homeless Agency in 2007 and published in part in the agency newsletter Cornerstone; his views on whether this research shows that the issue of homelessness among non-Irish citizens is a more pressing issue than the 2005 housing needs assessment data would suggest, particularly in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25813/08]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)

I refer to the reply to Question No. 396 of 24 June 2008 in which I indicated that local authorities are currently carrying out the 2008 statutory housing needs assessment. The outcome of this assessment will provide a reliable indicator of trends in homelessness, including nationality, as they will be directly comparable with the results of the 2005 assessment.

I am aware of the research referred to in the question. My Department has regard to relevant research by the Homeless Agency in the development and implementation of policy relating to homelessness.