David Norris (Independent)

I am heartened by some of what the Minister of State says, but I am disappointed with his response to the definition. I would like some information on that. I know there is a definition in the 1998 Act, but that dates from 20 years ago. We now have a more sophisticated and targeted approach in these matters. I would not like to think that we have not learned anything over the past 20 years that would be helpful in providing a definition of homelessness. I assume it is automatically carried over from that Bill. Perhaps the Minister of State will advise me how that is done technically because I do not see any definition here. It may be that it is included technically, but I would like to know how and where that definition is carried over from the 1998 Act. I am sure the Minister of State is correct in saying that it is, but I am not sure how. It would be helpful therefore if he would explain that. We will continue with this because we are disappointed.

I completely concur with my colleagues who have referred to the work of the make room group, as well as the four principal organisations: Focus Ireland, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Simon Community and Threshold. The Minister of State said he has been in discussions with what he calls stakeholders, but that word can mean various things. I assume that among the stakeholders would be this coalition of particular people who do remarkable work on our behalf, including the menial but essential job of providing soup and blankets. Is the Minister of State saying that the principal groups delivering services to the homeless are satisfied with the definition? I would be very interested to know that. It will weaken our case if he tells me that these people are satisfied because they are the stakeholders, apart from homeless people themselves. If the Minister of State tells me that they are happy with the absence of an updated definition of homelessness, I will take the opportunity to consult them this evening. If the Minister of State is correct and they say "Fine", so be it. I will have to withdraw my point.

I was pleased that the Minister of State spotted the argument about mobile homes. There are people who are happy enough in mobile homes and that issue can be met. I am sure the combined intelligence of my friends, Senators Doherty and Bacik, and even my own wit, might come up with something to cope with that while still covering vulnerable people.

I was impressed by the clear way in which the Minister of State dealt with the situation. It is obvious that he is on top of the job regarding his portfolio. I am 64 years old, however, and have difficulty in hearing. Therefore when he is making an important point, will he emphasise it a bit more for the elderly among us who may be hard of hearing, although not homeless or inadequate in other ways?

I will end on a positive note. I was pleased to hear the Minister of State's comments on emergency accommodation. Although some people have been in such accommodation for years, he has given the House a commitment that no Irish citizen shall be in emergency accommodation for more than six months. That is the ambition the Minister of State proposes to realise and I welcome it. I will be most interested to hear if his discussions with the people who deliver these services have entitled him to say that they are happy with this definition of homelessness.