Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The numbers vary from year to year, depending on circumstances in which people find themselves and the reasons they are on the street. I have had occasion to speak to numbers of homeless people in the vicinity of this House throughout many years. Some are there because of marital rows, some because they could not get on in their own homes, some because of particular issues that affected them. In many cases - or some, at least - they simply do not want to be housed anywhere. I spoke to a young man recently who was homeless and on the street. I asked him if he was in a position to stay in a hostel but he said he could not go into one because it was likely he would be attacked, or whatever. These issues are always under review by the organisations which do such great work with homeless people. If the existing reports are followed through properly there will be a considerable improvement in this situation and we support that in the best way we can.

The Deputy is aware that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, published the affordable energy strategy only two weeks ago. That sets out 48 timetabled actions which, when implemented, will make a big difference to a great number of people. The better energy programme, also published by the Minister, will mean that €76 million will be spent on improving the lot of people in poor housing conditions or who are homeless.

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