Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
981. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the funds spent by his Department in tackling the issue of homelessness in County Louth in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; and the amount that has been allocated for such services in 2013 [58081/12]
View answerThe Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and local authorities have statutory responsibility for the provision of homelessness services in Ireland in line with the National Homeless Strategy, 'The Way Home 2008-2013' and 'Pathway to Home'.
Local authorities identify and address the level of need through a range of community based accommodation options and related housing supports, and the HSE and its partner agencies arrange health and personal social care supports appropriate to the individual service user's needs within this structure.
The allocation of the HSE's homeless budget comes within the remit of the HSE and is allocated based on identified needs in line with the overall financial constraints that the HSE operates within.
In relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
