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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 5

Written Answers. - Homeless Persons.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

182 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the reason the commitment in Homelessness - An Integrated Strategy, to ensure three year multiannual funding to homeless services was never delivered; the basis on which this decision was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25950/03]

It was not considered appropriate to initiate a scheme of multiannual funding for the implementation of the accommodation related costs of the integrated homeless strategy in 2002 in the light of the difficulty of establishing a realistic baseline expenditure figure for the services recommended for development under the strategy. Since then the requirements of the sector have been assessed on an annual basis and funding has been allocated. This has resulted in a significant increase in the level of funding from €12.5 million in 1999 to €50 million this year. The increase has effectively ensured the continued funding at local authority level of approved projects as well as the establishment of new projects.

The need for greater security of funding on the part of service providers is acknowledged. Among the initiatives being taken in this context is the establishment, in the Dublin area, of a system of three year contracts between the statutory and voluntary agencies. The possibility of introducing a similar system will be pursued with other local authorities and the issue of multiannual funding will be kept under continuing review.

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