David Norris (Independent)

Is it not a problem? Is there a quarantine area? Do we shove all the people onto Spike Island or some such place?

One aspect of the explanatory memorandum to the Bill that I found to be very positive and refreshing was the fact that it does not have significant financial implications. This means it is probably safer than much other legislation that has been floating around the Houses recently. There is capacity to recycle State money through the various schemes. Therefore, I hope that since it is seen as broadly Exchequer neutral, we can push ahead with it.

I have received some briefings from a group I had not heard of before called MakeRoom, which seems to be a coalition of very responsible bodies such as Simon Communities of Ireland, Focus Ireland and Threshold. Broadly speaking, the organisation is pleased with the Bill but believes it could be strengthened in various ways. There does not seem to be a specific, precise and clear definition of "homelessness" in the Bill. Will the Minister of State provide a definition of "homelessness" to incorporate the criteria I have mentioned? Will he account for equitable assessment and adopt a clearly human rights-based approach to the legislation?

I welcome the Bill. Particularly in the current circumstances, it is important that we continue to provide a positive legislative lead in the sensitive human area of housing. I hope the Minister of State will reassure us that, since the Bill is described as being broadly Exchequer neutral, its provisions will be safe. I hope he may be able to address some of the questions I have raised.

My new-found friends in MakeRoom have indicated they will supply positive and constructive amendments. I am sure many of us have been in contact with the organisation and may have received those amendments. I will be happy to table them or, if my colleagues table them, I will be happy to support them to the extent I regard them as being constructive. From what I have seen of the vague outline given in the briefing document, the amendments will be constructive and helpful. I am sure the Minister of State, whom I remember as a constructive colleague in this House, will find it possible to accept some of them.