Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 5

Written Answers. - Homeless Persons.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

121 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the measures he plans to take to deal with the profits which some landlords are gaining from providing bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13552/03]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

The procurement of emergency accommodation for homeless persons is a matter, in the first instance, for local housing authorities.

While the use of bed and breakfast accommodation is seen at present as essential for the provision of emergency accommodation, it is recognised that it is not suitable as long-term homeless accommodation and that its use should be phased out, particularly for families. At my request, Dublin City Council and the Homeless Agency are currently reviewing the use of this type of accommodation.