asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the progress made to date in implementing the terms of the Housing Act, 1988; if his attention has been drawn to the severe disappointment expressed by voluntary groups dealing with the homeless at the lack of progress made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Housing Act, 1988, Implementation.
58.
All provisions of the Housing Act, 1988, are now in force other than sections 8, 25 and 26. The main provisions of the Act regarding homeless persons have been in force since 1 January 1989. The implementation of these provisions is a matter for each housing authority in the light of local circumstances. However, the guidelines which I issued on the implementation of these provisions stated that housing authorities should, among other things, establish effective liaison arrangements with voluntary organisations working in the area on behalf of homeless persons. Therefore, I would expect that such organisations would in the first instance raise issues of concern to them with the relevant housing authority.
I intend to review the operation of the measures during the coming year and I will have regard to the views of housing authorities and voluntary organisations in this review.