Vol. 490 No. 4
98 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of young people that have been identified as detached from the home, school and the community; their likely activity while on the street due to their vulnerability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10273/98]
The nature and extent of the problem of homeless young people varies between health boards and between community care areas. Due to the transient nature of the problem and the transient lifestyle of some young people it is difficult to estimate the number of homeless young people throughout Ireland. However, it is recognised that the problem is most acute in the Eastern Health board region. On average 12 young people per night present to the social work service operating outside normal office hours and the Eastern Health Board estimates that 400 young people are out of home in the region each year. While on the streets these young people, who often have low self-esteem, suffer social isolation and are at risk of involvement in petty crime, sexual exploitation, use/intimidation by criminals, child, drug and alcohol abuse.
Since 1993, and up to the end of 1997, an additional allocation of £43.5 million on an annualised basis has been invested in the development of child care and family support services including services for the young homeless. A further £8 million has been made available for this purpose in 1998.
