Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The Labour Party has also suggested the introduction of a housing benefit. The introduction of any benefit is primarily a matter for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. The Minister indicated in the House that she has no plans to introduce a housing benefit. She said that any further changes in the qualification criteria for receipt of rent supplement will be considered as part of the review of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is under way. I am glad to endorse this approach from a housing policy perspective. The housing benefit approach has been shown in other countries to have many negative effects, including high-cost rent inflation, increased dependency, inadequate housing supply and administrative difficulties such as complexity, cost, delay and fraud.

The Government remains committed to tackling homelessness. The continued implementation of its integrated and preventative homeless strategies remains a priority. All the service providers admit that we have made significant progress since the launch of the homeless strategy in 2000. A wide range of accommodation, such as emergency hostel accommodation, transitional accommodation and long-term accommodation facilities, has been provided in various locations across the country as part of the local homeless action plans. Our problem is not the provision of emergency accommodation because we have plenty of that. There are beds for those who want them and buses are available to collect rough sleepers.

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