Vol. 537 No. 3
174 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of overnight emergency beds that are used to accommodate homeless people on a weekly basis; if such beds are requested to be vacated on a daily basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14584/01]
It is estimated that there are approximately 900 bed spaces available for homeless persons in hostels in the Dublin city area and they are usually all occupied. In addition to the availability of hostel accommodation, bed and breakfast accommodation is also used to accommodate homeless people where necessary and there are currently over 1,350 bed spaces in use in bed and breakfast accommodation in the Dublin area. Figures for the rest of the country are unavailable at present but should become available as action plans for tackling homelessness are finalised.
Hostel accommodation, which is the main source of emergency accommodation for homeless persons, includes long-term, transitional or medium-term accommodation where, in many instances, people can remain during the day and avail of meals and laundry facilities. Over-night emergency accommodation is usually vacated every day, although in some cases the same persons might come back nightly.
With regard to emergency bed and breakfast accommodation, a rationalisation of the existing facilities is being carried out by Dublin Corporation and I understand that at this point most private emergency accommodation allows residents remain in occupation 24 hours a day, if required. In all newly contracted accommodation, the corporation insists on free access for residents, 24 hour security, a high standard of accommodation, a limit on the number of bed spaces, good overall management and regular inspections by corporation staff.
Information is not available in my Department on the number of homeless people accommodated in emergency accommodation on a weekly basis.
Question No. 175 answered with Question No. 52.
