Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In the week from 19 October to 25 October last, a total of 8,737 people were in emergency accommodation nationally, of whom 2,642 were children. This compares with a total of 8,656 people, including 2,583 children, in the corresponding week in September, indicating a month-on-month increase in the homeless numbers. The figures had been going down. The Minister stated yesterday morning that 4,400 people were moved to permanent accommodation during the pandemic period. We know this is because of the volume of surplus Airbnb accommodation that came on board. As I said, however, the numbers remain high. The first problem is that we have a revolving door such that for each family housed, another family becomes homeless. Second, housing assistance payment, HAP, tenancies do not provide permanent accommodation, it being at the whim of landlords whether they remove tenants from the tenancy because they are moving family members in or selling the home. As a consequence, the homeless figure has been stubbornly high throughout the recent period.

The new data show that 4,495 single adults were classified as homeless countrywide, including 3,051 in Dublin. In the corresponding week in September, 4,452 adults were registered homeless, 2,994 of them in Dublin. The figures climbed steadily in the capital for five months, with the previous high being 2,906 in March. Over the period of the pandemic, the number of single people becoming homeless has increased significantly.

This is due to the Covid pandemic and family problems with overcrowding. Last month's figures were 93% higher than they were in December 2015. The Minister has claimed Housing First will solve this problem. Housing First has been in operation for the past five years but it has not solved the problem.

There is also the case of those sleeping rough. I heard the Minister yesterday say that no one would be denied safe and secure accommodation, even if they are not habitually living in the area in which they are seeking accommodation. Last night, however, three men were refused accommodation of shelter because they were not living habitually in the Dublin area. One of the men in question, who was from Galway, had come to Dublin and was sleeping in the Phoenix Park. He had got his social welfare transferred to Dublin. When Mendicity rang looking for accommodation for him, the organisation was told that as the individual in question was not on the Dublin city housing list, he was not able to access homeless services. Three people were told last night to sleep on the streets. That is horrendous. I heard today that this has changed. However, I would like to hear from the horse's mouth as to how this has changed given that last night the Lord Mayor of Dublin would not allow an emergency motion on the agenda dealing with this, claiming it was a legislative problem not a question of bureaucracy.

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Joan Collins for raising these important issues. I am deeply sorry to hear of those particular incidents which she raised.

It is a matter the Government is taking seriously. In addressing homelessness, our approach is to prevent it, where possible, and to provide support services for those who need them, invest in housing and move people out of homelessness.

There have been a number of deaths in recent months of people who had been sleeping rough or accessing emergency homeless accommodation. Each of these deaths is a tragedy. I extend my sympathies to the families and friends of those concerned. It is important that the people affected are treated with dignity and respect. All Members will be mindful of such sensitivities.

In order to provide a better understanding, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, DRHE, and the HSE have jointly commissioned a detailed review of recent deaths in homeless services. It is important that we establish the facts and that we base our response, as policymakers and elected representatives, on the best knowledge and evidence available. This review will build on previous research conducted in this area, including a study published in January 2019 on the mortality of homeless people in the Dublin region.

Separate to this work, the Department of Health has commissioned the Health Research Board to undertake a one-year feasibility study to collect data on deaths among people who were homeless. I have been advised that the research will apply the methodology used to compile the national drug-related deaths index, which is a census of drug-related deaths, including deaths among drug users and those who are alcohol dependent.

The Deputy referred to an increase in homelessness in putting forward this matter for debate. There was an increase of 81 persons who are homeless in the most recent published figures, which are for the month of October. However, it is important to acknowledge the progress being made. The total number of homeless individuals in October 2020 was recorded as 8,737. This is a decrease of 1,777 people on the total recorded in October 2019.

While these homeless figures are still too high, they are down year-on-year by 17%. The most recent data show that family homelessness continued to fall in the past month and is at the lowest level seen since June 2016. It is still vital that we continue to deliver the appropriate measures to ensure all individuals experiencing homelessness are supported into permanent housing solutions while those with complex health and mental health needs are provided with the supports they need.

Engaging with rough sleepers is also essential. This engagement is first and foremost to encourage those rough sleeping to avail of emergency accommodation. Critically, it also allows their health needs to be assessed and provided for. The DRHE outreach team works 365 days per year up to 1 a.m. in supporting rough sleepers to access emergency accommodation. In undertaking this task, the clear and unambiguous approach taken is to work with the individuals to assess their immediate needs and work with them to cease their rough sleeping.

As we move further into the winter months, cold weather arrangements are in place nationally. In the Dublin region, the DRHE, which has responsibility for over 70% of all homeless persons nationally, has assured the Minister that sufficient capacity exists in services to ensure no person should sleep outside for the need of an emergency bed.

I want also to take the opportunity to place on record my gratitude to the staff of our local authorities and to our service delivery partners in the NGO sector. Their work during a difficult operational year, as we have also dealt with Covid-19, has been extraordinary.

Looking forward, the programme for Government includes measures targeted specifically at those experiencing homelessness with complex needs. It commits to the continued expansion of Housing First, and, importantly, to ensuring that health and mental health supports are provided. Housing First is now supporting over 450 former rough sleepers and long-term users of emergency accommodation in their own homes. Research is currently under way to support the expansion of the targets for this programme.

The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, has established a high level homelessness task force, which is feeding into the implementation of the programme for Government. The recent deaths in homeless services were specifically discussed at the most recent meeting of the task force in November.

Key to addressing homelessness is an increase in supply. The Government has committed to the increased supply of public, social and affordable homes. We will increase the social housing stock by more than 50,000 with an emphasis on new builds.

I assure Deputy Collins and others in the House of the work being done collectively and collaboratively to address the homelessness issue.

Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

With no disrespect to the Minister of State, I was hoping the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, would have been here. I listened to him yesterday morning on the radio making the point that 4,400 families were homed permanently over the last period of the pandemic and it will be 6,000 next year. That 4,400 families were found homes during the pandemic was precisely because of the number of former Airbnb properties that came into the system on foot of the fall in travelling and tourism. We will not have that next year.

Where is the Minister going to get 6,000 homes to move people from homelessness into homes? If they are rented homes, they are not permanent as the landlords can remove people from those homes if they need to.

The whole question of the eviction ban during the pandemic should be looked at. In August, when it finished, 13 families in Dublin became homeless for the first time in the private rental market. We will see more of this happening if we do not put an eviction ban in place. Will the Minister seriously consider this?

Three people were told last night by homeless services in Dublin city that they were not entitled to accommodation when beds were available. They had to sleep rough last night in Baltic weather. That was just absolutely horrendous. We cannot allow this to happen. We had the same situation five years ago when Jonathan Corrie died across the road from here, while many others have died in between. We have always raised our voices in horror and concern but it still happens. Last year, it was 36 people. This year already it is 59 people and we have not really hit the winter season. I am expecting the Minister to step up to the plate now. His honeymoon period is over and he must show how he will deal with this question. Shelters are not just for winter or for Christmas. Accommodation is for life.

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I assure Deputy Joan Collins that our Department takes this matter seriously. It is right that homelessness, along with the challenges we face in addressing it, are discussed here today. The death of any person accessing homeless services is a matter of deep concern to us all. I want to express my sympathies again to the families and friends of loved ones who have found themselves in such tragic circumstances. I also want to recognise the work being done on the ground by local authorities, service providers and NGOs.

We need to know more about the deaths of the people availing of homeless services. It is right that the review is being undertaken. I want to reiterate that addressing homelessness is a priority for the Government. We are investing in additional resources. Significant numbers of households continue to exit homelessness and to own a home each month. We will continue to build on the good work already being done in this area. I recognise that behind all statistics and figures are human beings or real people. We must not forget this.

The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and our Department is taking this matter seriously. I take on board the Deputy's point on the eviction ban. It has been an effective emergency measure. We will certainly give consideration to the matters raised about Airbnb properties.

10 o’clock

We are making every effort with our partners, local government and the NGOs to ensure we reduce homelessness and eliminate it if possible.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

If I might, with regard to the question of people being turned away from homeless centres when our understanding is that this should not happen.

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Absolutely, I would wholeheartedly agree. It is something I will take back to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. We have reiterated a commitment that it should not happen and it should not be the case that anyone who seeks accommodation would be turned away from a homeless service. We will investigate it as a matter of urgency.

Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Do we need to bring in legislation for it? That was said last night at a meeting of Dublin City Council.

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I take on board that point.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We appreciate the assistance of the Minister of State on that matter.