Vol. 568 No. 5
131 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the Dublin Simon Community regarding the inadequacy of public funding for organisations dealing with the homeless, such as the Simon Community; if it is intended to increase the level of funding in view of the major ongoing problem of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16503/03]
I am aware of the views of the Simon Community on the funding for homelessness in 2003. It must be emphasised that funding for accommodation-related services for homeless persons has increased substantially in recent years. Last year my Department recouped €43 million, or 90% of the cost, to local authorities towards their expenditure on the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless people, compared to €12.5 million in 1999. Local authorities provided a further €4.8 million from their own resources. This year, in spite of a tightening financial situation an increased allocation of €50 million has been provided by my Department for this purpose. A substantial proportion of this expenditure will be provided to voluntary bodies to fund the accommodation, day services and settlement and outreach programmes they operate. All requests for funding by local authorities for projects which provide accommodation and related services for homeless people, the majority of which are operated by voluntary bodies, have been met by my Department. This increase in funding is clear evidence of the Government's determination to address the issue of homelessness in a comprehensive and co-ordinated way.
