asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there are no day-time facilities for homeless women and their children in Galway city between 8.30 a.m. and 8.30 p.m. and that they must care for their children out of doors between these hours; if he approves of this situation; and the proposals he has to deal with the situation in the short and medium term pending the establishment of a new and adequate women's hostel.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Homeless People.
6.
Homeless women in Galway city are catered for in Bethlehem House night shelter which is operated by the Legion of Mary. The Galway Social Services Centre in Francis Street provides a service for homeless women, with or without children by day. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul are also very helpful to homeless women who wish to obtain alternative private accommodation.
There are no proposals to alter the existing situation pending the provision of a purpose-built facility for homeless women in the grounds of the regional hospital in Galway.
My question refers to the problem faced by homeless women between 8.30 a.m. and 8.30 p.m. when there are no places for them to go. Will the Minister indicate if a temporary facility will be provided by the Department? It is likely that the purpose-built facility he mentioned will not be ready for use for up to 18 months, assuming planning permission is granted. Is there any way the Department can provide a temporary day time facility for such people?
The best prospect lies with the provision of purpose-built accommodation for homeless women and their children at Séamus Quirk Road in the grounds of the regional hospital. Planning permission was obtained from Galway Corporation last May but, unfortunately, an appeal was lodged against that decision. The appeal is being processed by the appeal board and the result is awaited.
Is the Minister referring to the new board or the old one?
I have no doubt that the chief executive officer of the health board will do everything possible to have the purpose-built shelter erected as soon as possible. I presume there will be a day facility in that shelter.
I recognise that a fulltime facility is the best solution but it will take at least 18 months to erect such a building and in the meantime women with children do not have anywhere to go during the day. Is there any possibility of the Western Health Board being in a position to provide a temporary facility in the meantime?
The Western Health Board advice to me is that they do not have such a premises available. The Legion of Mary operate a service but their volunteers are not in a position to provide a day service. When I meet the CEO of the Western Health Board again I will raise the matter with him. I understand that an average of eight women are catered for each night in the night shelter at Abbeygate Street. I am not aware of the number of children involved. I visited the day shelter in Galway and I am pleased to report that it is well run.