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Homeless Persons Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 June 2021

Wednesday, 23 June 2021

Questions (131)

Duncan Smith

Question:

131. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review of homeless deaths currently being undertaken on behalf of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive in view of the increase in the number of deaths of persons sleeping rough or in contact with homeless services; his plans to address shortcomings in homeless provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33818/21]

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Written answers

There have been a number of deaths, in recent months, of people who had been sleeping rough or accessing homeless services. Each of these deaths is a tragedy and I extend my sympathies to the families concerned. The deaths of people availing of homeless services are a concern and are being taken very seriously. It is important that we establish the facts concerning the circumstances involved, and that we base our response on the best knowledge and evidence available.

A review of homeless deaths was undertaken on behalf of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) by Dr. Austin O’Carroll, the HSE appointed Clinical Lead for Covid-19 and Homelessness in Dublin.  The review analysed the available data concerning deaths in homeless services for 2020 to identify learning for homeless and health services that could help tailor the provision of care to homeless people. This ‘Interim Report on Mortality in Single Homeless Population 2020’ was submitted to me earlier this month. Owing to certain data limitations, including Covid-19 restrictions limiting access to coroner’s reports, the report will be subject to revision when these data become available. I have met with Dr. O’Carroll to discuss the report and its recommendations.

It is vital that we continue to deliver the appropriate measures to ensure that all individuals experiencing homelessness are supported to exit into permanent housing solutions and that those with complex health and mental health needs are provided with the supports they need. My Department is working closely with the Department of Health, the HSE and local authorities in respect of these issues.

The Programme for Government includes measures targeted specifically at those experiencing homelessness with complex needs. It commits to the continued expansion of Housing First, and, importantly, ensuring that health and mental health supports are provided. The provision of addiction and mental health supports has featured prominently in meetings of the High Level Homelessness Task Force that I established and in my regular interactions with the Minister for Health. The issue of deaths in homeless services has also been discussed at the Task Force.

Engaging with rough sleepers is vital. This engagement is first and foremost to encourage those rough sleeping to avail of shelter. But critically, it also allows their health needs to be assessed and provided for.

In addition to the recent report, and relevant to its recommendations in respect of improving data in this area, a separate feasibility study on data collection of homeless deaths nationally is being undertaken by the Health Research Board on behalf of the Department of Health. This is due to be completed by the end of 2021. The research is applying the methodology used to compile the National Drug Related Deaths Index, which is a census of drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users and those who are alcohol dependent in Ireland. The data collection for 2019 deaths, including deaths among people who were homeless, is reviewing approximately 17,000 files from all Coroner districts.

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