Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

Will the Minister of State clarify once more where he proposes to allow for the implementation of the homelessness strategy in this legislation? While I am sorry to ask him to reiterate this, I would appreciate it if he would do so because this is a very important matter. I do not doubt the Minister of State's genuine concerns in this area and I acknowledge the work he has done on the homelessness strategy, including The Way Home document he produced in August. As he said, however, a plan is not worth the paper it is written on without an implementation plan, resources and an acknowledgement by all sectors of society, from top to bottom. We are trying to frame legislation so that homelessness will be clearly identified and acknowledged. If the Minister of State can clarify that point we may consider withdrawing the amendment.