Mr. Robin Hanan:

On the question of homelessness, there are many reasons people become homeless. The difference in the position between now and a number of years ago is partly to do with the number losing work, but it has much more to do with the fact that accommodation is not available to meet the extra demand. Cutbacks in services have made it difficult.

The habitual residence condition makes it very difficult for people who cannot prove they have been living in the country for three years, although it depends on the particular terms and conditions applying, to access either State-supported housing or housing provided by voluntary organisations funded by the State. This means that many people who came here from abroad, worked and contributed to the social welfare and tax systems here are not eligible for housing. It also means that people who emigrated from Ireland and have returned are not eligible for housing. This has contributed seriously to the problem.

While there are many reasons people become homeless - social, economic and mental health issues - we know what the solutions are. The voluntary organisations which work with homeless persons and have learned from counterparts in other countries know what they are. What they need is money and the investment to make it happen.

In terms of restructuring the social housing system, the ideas put on the table which I understand have been presented to the committee by the homeless organisations in our membership are aimed at transforming the system from one based primarily on people receiving a supplement to pay for accommodation in the private rented sector which is often not adequate and means many landlords will not accept those in receipt of rent supplement towards one under which the council would rent housing according to people's means. It would be a modernised version of the old council housing scheme but one which would be much more flexible and adapted to meet people's needs, housing availability and the requirements of the modern market.

On the question of the housing that is appropriate, we have a concern. We are happy that a number of schemes are being put together to use empty houses and transform some of the ghost estates which have gained prominence in the media into areas in which people on low incomes can live. Part of the problem is that, unfortunately, many of these areas were designed as places where people could sleep and commute from rather than places in which they could live. We will, therefore, need to put some thought into the housing that is most appropriate.

All of this comes back to examining the policy areas mentioned in a national anti-poverty strategy and the need for poverty proofing. We must ask about the impact on equality across society. Specifically, what will be the impact on those who are suffering the most in terms of poverty of particular measures? It is not enough to measure, count and write strategies. We need to put serious amounts of money behind them.