I understand matters have progressed somewhat since I tabled this matter yesterday. Earlier this week staff in the Eastern Health Board unit in Charles Street who care for homeless people walked out because of a risk to the health and safety of staff and clients. I understand a staff member was injured in an incident at the unit.
We are all aware of the good work carried out by the homeless person section of the health board who each week care for approximately 600 people who are in need of bed and breakfast accommodation and supplementary allowances to survive. I hope all homeless people were able to secure accommodation in the past couple of nights, as ground temperatures in some places last night were minus 10º.
Work in the Charles Street unit has increased significantly recently because of the increase in the number of asylum seekers. A member of the Refugee Agency stated on radio yesterday that up to 30 asylum seekers arrive on our shores each day, many of whom end up in the homeless unit in Charles Street. While I am sure the Minister will outline the short and long-term measures proposed for the unit, it reflects badly on industrial relations if staff have to walk out before new offices and five or six additional staff are provided.
I accept the difficulties associated with asylum seekers is being examined under the homeless initiative introduced by the Minister. Refugees and homeless people must be segregated and I hope long-term measures can be introduced to deal with this problem. The building in Charles Street is not suitable for clients or staff. I congratulate whoever was involved in getting the matter resolved speedily and hope the Minister will spell out details of the short-term and long-term measures proposed for the unit.
