asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the Drogheda Homeless Aid Group are now housing 14 homeless men; if he is aware that they provided the housing from their own voluntary efforts and without any help from any State agency; if his Department will urgently provide some funds to help with their work which is the responsibility of his Department, the North Eastern Health Board and the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Drogheda Homeless Aid Group.
57.
I understand that the Drogheda Homeless Aid Group is a voluntary organisation which provides temporary accommodation for, on average six or seven homeless men in the Drogheda area.
When the group were established in 1983, they made an application for funding to the North Eastern Health Board. The health board did not perceive the need for such a facility in the area as it was already funding a similar facility run by the Simon Community in Dundalk. In 1985 the health board supported the Simon Community with grants of £9,252. The question of whether or not to grant aid the Drogheda Homeless Aid Group is a matter for the North Eastern Health Board.