Richard Bruton
Ceist:7 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment the estimated number of adult homeless persons living rough in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the adequacy of public services to cope with this problem.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Accommodation for Homeless.
Information on the number of adult homeless persons living rough in Dublin is not available in my Department. The assessment of housing needs at 30 September 1989, carried out by local authorities under the provisions of section 9 of the Housing Act, 1988 estimated that, at that date, there were a total of 588 homeless persons in Dublin city, county and Dún Laoghaire.
I am satisfied that the framework put in place following the enactment of the Housing Act, 1988, and the funding made available to local authorities and voluntary bodies towards the accommodation needs of homeless persons are an adequate and reasonable response to the problems of homelessness.
As I have already indicated, I will be reviewing, in the course of the year, the measures introduced under the Housing Act, 1988, in relation to the accommodation of homeless persons and I will have regard to the views of housing authorities and voluntary organisations in that review.
How does the Minister react to the findings of Focus Point estimating the numbers at 1,500, almost three times the number he is suggesting? Does he not agree that by virtue of the fact that houses will not be built in the city this year and that housing lists will get longer, inevitably the problem of homelessness will worsen? What specific funds does he intend to allocate to stop that?
The level of assistance has been increased from 80 per cent to 95 per cent or a maximum of £25,000 per unit.
Unit of what?
Unit of accommodation. The Stanhope project which is due for completion later in the year will accommodate 100 adults. Projects are already completed at the Simon Community Hostel in Usher's Quay with accommodation for 40 persons. The Iveagh Trust is upgrading its hostel accommodation to provide 155 modern units for homeless persons. This project is due for completion at the end of the year. It is expected that approximately £2 million will be expended in 1990 under the scheme for the accommodation of homeless persons. We have made strides in this regard. I admit that a lot remains to be done but as finances become available we will do it.
Would the Minister not accept that there is a housing emergency in Dublin which particularly impacts on those who are homeless? There are 5,000 people on the housing lists of Dublin Corporation and Dublin County Council, while it is projected that at best those two local authorities will complete 60 new houses in 1990 for the entire city and county. How does the Minister see that as being compatible with dealing with the problems of homelessness?
I am dealing with the question put down by Deputy Bruton. I have answered that question. We will build approximately 1,300 houses throughout the country this year.
In Dublin only 60.
It may not be adequate but we will be building up the housing programme as finance becomes available. I am going beyond the scope of the question.
Housing money is being diverted to building roads.