John Gormley
Ceist:106 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals he has regarding the issue of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5037/01]
Written Answers. - Homeless Persons.
The Government's Integrated Strategy on Homelessness outlines a new approach to the way in which services for the homeless are to be planned, funded and provided. As part of the strategy, local authorities have established homeless fora, where they were not already in place, and are in the process of developing three-year action plans, jointly with the health boards and voluntary bodies. These action plans will set out clear aims and actions on how accommodation, health, settlement and welfare services will be provided to homeless persons by all of the agencies involved.
The action plan for the Dublin area has been completed and adopted by Dublin Corporation's Housing SPC and will be considered by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin county councils Housing SPCs before the end of this month. The plan sets out a strategic framework for tackling homelessness in Dublin in a thorough and effective manner. A new Homeless Services Agency has been established and it will oversee the delivery of services to homeless persons, by statutory and voluntary agencies in the Dublin area, in a coherent and integrated manner.
The Government has made substantial current and capital funding available to ensure that the measures outlined in the strategy are implemented. Capital spending by local authorities on accommodation for the homeless is to be doubled from £20 million to £40 million over the five years, 2001-06. An extra £6 million per annum in current funding will be available from my Department to increase payments for the provision of hostel accommodation and to establish settlement and outreach services. Additional funding will also be available from health boards to fund care and welfare requirements. Voluntary bodies will also continue to be assisted to provide additional accommodation for homeless persons under the voluntary housing schemes operated by my Department.