Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle's office for the opportunity to raise this important matter. I also thank the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, for personally being in the Chamber. Both he and the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, are committed to the homelessness strategy that was put together in 2008. They have achieved a lot in comparison to previous Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in terms of addressing this scourge in society.

More than 5,000 people in the country are now homeless. I appeal to the Minister to fight for those people at the Cabinet table to ensure no cuts in budget 2011 will affect the full commitment of the Department to end long-term homelessness. Many agencies work in this area such as the Simon Communities of Ireland, Focus Ireland and Crosscare. I acknowledge the great work of the volunteers in the various agencies to tackle homelessness. Focus Ireland has said that if there is a reduction in the budget, the services will be affected drastically and that people will be trapped in emergency accommodation. The target of 1,200 units was set. Unfortunately, only 171 units have been achieved to date via the long-term leasing scheme. I urge the Minister to continue with his commitment.

The health of those who find themselves homeless is affected by their circumstances. The Simon Communities of Ireland have completed a study of 788 clients. The majority of them have health issues such as a dependency on alcohol or drug use. People's physical condition is affected because they are subject to the elements and we have had much bad weather. More services need to be provided through the Health Service Executive rather than just accommodation being provided by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Homeless people require back-up services.

Long-term homelessness is considered to be for a period of greater than six months. Much emergency accommodation is currently being used but a great deal of it is sub-standard and shoddy. Issues arise about the conditions of some buildings that have been allowed to deteriorate by their owners and whether they comply with fire safety regulations. That area should be investigated. We must aim to get people out of emergency accommodation into homes in the community. The sooner that is done the better.

The Fine Gael Party is very much committed to ensuring that long-term homelessness is eliminated. I hope that will continue to be a priority for the Minister and that he will match his words with action and ensure that the budget is continued in 2011 at the existing high level, which is approximately €100 million in 2010. I also hope the budget for the capital assistance scheme, currently €145 million, will be retained or increased in the budget.

There are more than 2,800 ghost estates throughout the country and more than 100,000 empty housing units. It is clear that if the Minister follows through on the political will he has expressed that people who find themselves in the awkward and terrible situation of being homeless will be housed. I commend the work that has been done by the Government in this area but much more needs to be done.

See this speech in context