Michael Noonan
Ceist:268 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated current cost of providing an additional residential place for a homeless person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23308/00]
Written Answers. - Services for Homeless People.
Government policy in regard to services for homeless people is outlined in "Homelessness – An Integrated Strategy", which was published in May 2000. The cost of hostel accommodation for homeless adults is shared between my Department and the Department of the Environment and Local Government, with the responsibility of the provision of staff being a matter for the health boards. There are considerable variations in the numbers of staff required for such units depending on variations in client profile, variations in numbers of clients and level of care required. It is currently estimated that the salary costs of providing a hostel place for a homeless person can range from £5,000 for low level support up to £36,000 if the individual is being supported in a high level support hostel for drug users or chronic street drinkers.