Ms Mary Hurley:

Obviously, we would like to have them implemented as soon as possible. Some of them are continuous, meaning that we want them implemented as soon as possible. Half of them are implemented but some of them are ongoing.

In monitoring the implementation of that particular plan, it is an area in which the Taoiseach has taken an interest, meaning regular updates are provided at Cabinet committee level. The work of all of the Departments together is reflected in these fora. It is being monitored at government level. The monitoring in the Department is independently chaired by John Moran, a former Secretary General, who reports to our Minister.

For rough sleepers, we have a range of hostels and facilities. Over recent years, approximately 500 additional beds have been put into the system. As we move forward, we are modernising all of our hostels. There are a range of supports and services in place in those hostels through which people can receive medical supports and engage with mental health and addiction counsellors. We have an ongoing programme of refurbishment of our existing hostels but also an expansion programme in terms of the number of units.

For the mental health aspect, the Housing First programme is critical. In terms of mental health supports within the structures and hostels, people receive support for mental health issues and addiction. They regularly would have HSE intervention. The local authorities would also work with them in putting in the required supports.