Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy O'Brien for raising this issue. He did so in a genuine manner. He is right that it is important to recognise that the homelessness and rough sleepers difficulty exists not only in Dublin, where the main media concentration is, but also outside. We are aware of that in the Department because we are involved in providing the services on a nightly basis. I accept that the Deputy is genuinely trying to bring a focus to this.

My Department and I learned of the sad death yesterday of a woman in Cork city who was availing of homelessness services. This death is a tragedy for the woman's family and friends and I extend our sympathies to them. Clearly, this is a very difficult time for those involved. Out of consideration for the families, I ask that we respect their privacy and not speculate on the circumstances of the deceased or the cause of death at this time. However, I will check out the Deputy's comment that she had sought to get into a hostel but was not facilitated. I will try to find out the reasons for that and, if possible, deal with it.

Of course, while it is not appropriate to speculate on the circumstances of an individual case, it is absolutely right that we should discuss the issue of homelessness and, more specifically, highlight the actions that are under way to support those who are sleeping rough at this time. If there are gaps in the service we should close them. That is something the Deputy tried to highlight tonight. There is a suite of State-funded support services available to homeless persons nationally, including in Cork city. Cork City Council makes every possible effort on an ongoing basis to ensure there is sufficient emergency accommodation available to those who need it. We have been clear to all local authorities that there must be enough beds, both temporary and emergency, to provide for people in these winter conditions. It is something the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, was clear about a number of months ago.

Cork City Council's cold weather strategy for homeless persons has been in effect since 1 November. This strategy ensures that additional temporary shelter can be brought into use across existing services to ensure that there is sufficient available accommodation this winter. At present, there are over 130 hostel type beds available for homeless adults in Cork city. This includes the additional capacity that is currently available under the city council's cold weather strategy. I understand that, typically, Cork city has less than ten rough sleepers on a given night. Beds are available for these individuals should they wish avail of them and outreach teams continue to work to try and provide solutions for such individuals and to encourage them to avail of accommodation. The Deputy has provided data tonight indicating that the figure is approximately 20. We will have to check our figure and update it because we are clear that we wish to ensure there is enough accommodation for anybody who needs it. As the Deputy said, there is no reason anybody should have to be a rough sleeper and remain on the streets at night, certainly in these weather conditions. That is our aim and that is what we provide resources for through the various mechanisms.

In addition to the hostel type beds, the city council is also funding the Simon Community to provide a night haven service from its facility on Anderson's Quay. This service, which is available throughout the winter period, provides supervised space in which up to 15 people who would not normally access services can spend the night if they choose. At the housing summit held last September, the Minister and I emphasised the need for all housing authorities to have sufficient capacity in emergency accommodation and appropriate facilities in place for every person sleeping rough on any night of the week. This is something we did last year as well. Generally, the assessment involves discussions with the various agencies on the ground over the months leading up to winter and Christmas. I hope we have provided enough accommodation but, if not, we will have to add to it.

In response to the housing summit, the key urban housing authorities where rough sleeping arises have put their cold weather strategies in place and some of them, including in Dublin, are rolling out additional beds. Government policy on homelessness recognises that the provision of long-term secure housing, with support as needed to ensure sustainable tenancies, is the key solution to ending homelessness. While all homeless people have a need for stable housing, homelessness is complex and a variety of other supports can be required to meet individual needs. Many homeless people, particularly those who are rough sleeping, have complex health and social care needs, including in respect of addiction and mental health issues, which require care and supports beyond the provision of accommodation via the housing authority.

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