Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for permitting me to raise this issue. It concerns the future of the two largest hostels for homeless people in Dublin, the Morning Star and the Regina Coeli hostels. I raise the issue by way of a question through the Minister of State who is taking the Adjournment debate to the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with responsibility for housing.

I understand the Health Service Executive owns both hostels but that the Legion of Mary operates them under a lease arrangement. I appreciate the work of the Legion of Mary in providing services to homeless people at these hostels. Issues have arisen recently that may call into question the future of the two hostels and of the sites on which they are located. Both are in need of modernisation. My information is that the HSE and the Legion of Mary have been discussing this and that the future ownership of the hostels and their sites has arisen in this context.

I would like the Minister of State to answer a few questions. Does the HSE own the two hostels? Is it true that the freehold of the two hostels is being transferred to the Legion of Mary or to a trust associated with the legion? If so, will the Minister of State tell us on what terms such a transfer is taking place, how the decision was made to transfer the leasehold, by whom and at whose behest? What arrangements are being made for the upgrading and modernisation of the hostels? Are these arrangements in any way linked to a possible future sale of the hostels and their sites? If so, will the Minister of State outline the value put on the hostels and their sites and how that compares with the cost of renovating or renewing the hostels? Have any contracts or legal agreements been entered into in respect of any of these matters and what consultation, if any, has taken place with the Homeless Agency on these issues? Has the Minister or anyone else in Government been involved in these matters?

The Morning Star and Regina Coeli hostels have served the homeless of this city well. They need to be modernised and that should be done as soon as possible. I would, however, be concerned if issues that have arisen recently regarding the condition and suitability in modern times of these hostels were to be used to justify their sale, especially considering that they are located close to an area of the city which is due for redevelopment. There is a need for some clarity on what is happening in respect of the ownership and leasing arrangements of the hostels. If there is an agenda from wherever and for whatever reason which involves the sale of the hostels and realisation of what is undoubtedly a considerable asset at that location, that needs to be put face up on the table.

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