Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

There is a huge range of services available which all people in society but specifically homeless people can access. The issue of homelessness is complex. There are various reasons why people end up homeless in different parts of the country. There are issues in Dublin currently, to which the Deputy referred, that affect not only homeless people but also people returning to college. There is again a lack of rental accommodation which it is hoped to address. The rent supplement scheme, which has been extended dramatically over a number of years, has had a major impact and has facilitated and benefited people throughout the country, particularly in terms of allowing homeless people to get into private accommodation. The resources put into this area are substantial. The strategy set out in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion was drawn up by all the stakeholders working with the Department and has been bought into by all of the participants. At its core are the many supports to help people get back into education, into society and into employment.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has taken up many of the relevant issues with the local authorities in an effort to prevent long-term homelessness and get people permanently into housing throughout the country. In terms of the resources that have been put in across the spectrum on behalf of the taxpayer, the general social welfare budget has been increased from just over €3.5 billion some years ago to more than €15.3 billion today. Working with the relevant agencies we intend to reduce homelessness and meet the targets that are clearly set out.

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