Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Tóibín for his question. The Deputy will understand why I will not refer to a specific case, but every death of a person accessing homeless services is an absolute tragedy. My condolences and those of the Government go to that gentleman, his family and his friends. I said that we would investigate this issue. The deaths of those accessing homeless services constitute a complex issue, as the Deputy is aware. I have written to him before stating that many who unfortunately die while accessing homeless services may do so in emergency accommodation for other reasons, with complex health needs and other elements involved. There was a worrying increase in this regard in 2020, which I have accepted and acknowledged to the Deputy. As outlined in the reply to a parliamentary question, I commissioned a detailed report on this issue. Dr. Jo-Hanna Ivers of Trinity College is compiling that for us right now and her work is nearing completion. I expect that Dr. Ivers will complete her work in the first quarter. I stated in replies to parliamentary questions on the matter that when the report is completed, I will certainly publish it. We will engage with the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the report. That is where the matter stands at the moment.

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