Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
415. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the work he is undertaking to implement the housing first model here; his plans to adapt the original model to the Irish context and if he will give details of any research his Department or others have undertaken to ascertain its effectiveness. [42804/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government committed to reviewing the homeless strategy, The Way Home: A Strategy to Address Adult Homelessness in Ireland 2008-2013 and to implementing a housing led approach to homelessness. Work on the review is almost complete and I intend to issue a policy statement on homelessness shortly. That statement will take account of demands on existing housing and will assess how best to continue providing services in a manner consistent with the elimination of existing homelessness and to ensure more effective prevention strategies. In formulating the statement, research being undertaken on behalf of the Simon Communities of Ireland on housing led, including housing first, approaches in Ireland will be considered as well as other research and developments in the homelessness arena. On its conclusion, I will be indicating what I expect from housing authorities and other stakeholders in accelerating progress towards realising the ambition of eliminating involuntary long-term homelessness.
