Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

It is generally agreed that this is a positive and progressive Bill dealing with housing. It would be a shame for it to progress beyond the House without a clear definition of homelessness. It is a significant challenge which we face and this is an ideal opportunity to address that challenge. This amendment serves to define and clearly enshrine or acknowledge in legislation what it means to be homeless. If we are to seek resources for housing plans or local authorities, we must acknowledge in legislation at the outset that homelessness is a problem and it must be clearly defined and understood. We also support this amendment.

Many Senators outlined their concerns on homelessness on Second Stage. One need only look around the streets near Leinster House at night to find clear evidence of what some people live through in this day and age, which is a very sad indictment of the system.

I refer to the voluntary and community agencies working at the coalface to deal with homelessness. Senator Bacik already mentioned Focus Ireland, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Simon Community and Threshold. These organisations work daily with various housing authorities and agencies and they see at first hand the shortfalls in the system. These organisations make recommendations for the good of those who are homeless and they are the voice of such people. I compliment the manner in which they have engaged with the parliamentary system and the Oireachtas on this Bill, as they speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. They raise the awareness among Senators, Deputies, civil servants and the Department of those in need and they do a very good job.

We support the amendment for this very reason. It clearly defines homelessness and I urge the Minister of State to consider the amendment as it can only strengthen what is already a very positive Bill. It is possible to build a consensus in the House and in the Dáil when the Bill goes there. This amendment can only strengthen the legislation and provide a stronger document.