Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)

The €1.5 million to which the Minister refers is welcome, but it is still only a small drop in the ocean when one considers the number of vulnerable people, particularly those who are homeless, in our society. There are a number of homeless agencies in the south-west inner city and I am aware that those who are homeless, because of the nature of their existence, are not able to access the relevant service. There is a reluctance among these individuals in becoming involved with projects or schemes. One of the entities which provide a great deal of assistance for homeless people and their families is the Merchant's Quay Project. I accept that the latter has major resources at its disposal, but encouraging the homeless to avail of services remains a problem.

I agree with Deputy Ring's comments on community employment projects. The Minister is aware of the Liberties Recycling Training and Development and how important it is to many of those who were forgotten by society and who need to be challenged in taking their lives in a different direction. The project is really just another way of considering how things can happen and is aimed at improving the lives of young people who have endured the misery of drug misuse and are now on methadone.

I reiterate that there is still a need to investigate how we might bring certain individuals, particularly the homeless, into the services available. Consideration must be given to this matter.

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