Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the services provided for the homeless, particularly those who have severe drug and alcohol problems. I raise this issue because these people, who tend to be the most under-represented in political life, are the victims of a series of cutbacks being implemented by the HSE by stealth. In this regard I ask the Leader to raise this matter with the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, and the Minister of State, Deputy Carey, regarding one issue in Dublin city centre.

Members may be familiar with problems that have occurred on Dublin's boardwalks along the River Liffey over previous summers. The city council along with many different agencies have worked together to provide a comprehensive solution to this issue. The centrepiece of the solution was the provision of an expanded drop-in centre to ensure these people would have alternative places to go to, rather than on boardwalks, where they could be looked after and receive treatment. Dublin City Council has provided the premises and spent money upgrading it. A leading charity in this area has provided the staff to run it, yet the HSE has now suddenly announced it will pull out of the project because it does not have the money to pay the staff to do it. These premises are going to be vacant, unused, and the boardwalk, which should be a source of pride to people who live in the city, could again become a magnet for the very difficulties we are trying to deal with.

I ask the Leader to organise a general debate on how we look after our homeless, to ensure the services are in place for them. I also ask him to raise this particular issue with the Ministers concerned, so that we do not face another difficult summer in the centre of our capital.