Vol. 528 No. 3
128 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the current system of payment for bed and breakfast accommodation in hostels in the eastern regional area; if he has further satisfied himself that the present arrangements will be adequate to encourage hostel developments; and if he will review the rate of payment and the provision of facilities for children during the daytime in the hostel accommodation. [30269/00]
Homelessness is a serious social issue and the dynamics of homelessness involve a complex interrelationship of social and economic factors. Recognising this, the Government published a strategy in May of this year aimed at tackling homelessness. This strategy, entitled Homelessness – An Integrated Strategy, aims to tackle all aspects of homelessness in an integrated manner.
The strategy recognises that local authorities and voluntary bodies use bed and breakfast accommodation when hostel or other accommodation is not available. Bed and breakfast accommodation is intended to be used only as an emergency or short-term accommodation. However, in the absence of hostel or other long-term accommodation, the local authorities and the Eastern Regional Health Authority may have to use more of this type of accommodation and to keep people there for longer periods. It is acknowledged that bed and breakfast accommodation is unsuitable for long-term accommodation, particularly by families.
The strategy proposes that all local authorities and health boards will draw up a three year action plan for the delivery of services to homeless persons and the action plan for Dublin will prioritise the elimination of the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for families other than in emergencies and for only short-term use. Additional funding from the Department of Environment and Local Government and my own Department is being made available to ensure implementation of agreed action plans.
I am pleased to note that a director for homeless services for Dublin has recently been selected and is due to take up appointment as soon as possible. This appointment will facilitate the establishment of the Dublin homeless services agency in the near future. This agency will manage and co-ordinate the delivery of all services by both the statutory and voluntary agencies to the homeless in Dublin. It will have staffing from Dublin Corporation, the Eastern Regional Health Authority and other agencies.
I have also referred the Deputy's question to the chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that the issues raised be further examined and a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
