Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the representatives of Novas for attending this meeting and making a presentation. This is the fifth presentation we have heard today. There are underlying trends in everything we have heard. Even though the worst problem is definitely focused in Dublin, I was glad to hear Dr. Burns recognise that this is "a national crisis". This point was also made in our discussion with the Simon Community. The problem seems to be getting worse everywhere. I am pleased that Novas, which is based in the mid-west, provides services in the Kerry and Dublin areas. This is also a rural problem. I represent the Waterford constituency, which has urban and rural areas. I am aware that people who live in rural areas sometimes find it difficult to access supports because they do not want to move their children from the particular schools they attend. They might not have transport, which means in most cases that they have to move into the city if they want to access supports. This is causing a huge problem. I assume the witnesses see this regularly.

Dr. Burns mentioned that the preference of the agency is for a two-bedroom approach. Many of the agencies that have addressed this committee and many of the people I have met are floating the idea of a return to the one-room bedsit. Many of those who are homeless are single people who do not have children. I would like to hear the witnesses' thoughts on this aspect of the matter. Do they think there is merit in properly functioning bedsits that are up to standard?

Novas seems to place a significant emphasis on the housing assistance payment scheme. I have seen the scheme work and I have seen it not work. When it works properly, with a co-operating landlord who is paid directly, it is a very good system. I know it has been rolled out in Waterford, Kilkenny and a number of other areas. While it can work well, there are faults with it. Dr. Burns spoke about CALF payments. Perhaps the witnesses might explain what CALF is. Is it a governing body for approved housing bodies?