Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

Before moving to the substance of the amendment, the intent of subsection (7) is to empower the Minister to make regulations to set out how an assessment of housing needs will be carried out for an individual household. It deals with practical administrative matters, such as application forms, the timing of assessments etc. In this light, an amendment of the type suggested is not appropriate.

On the substantive issue, I have indicated that an important role within the new homeless strategy, The Way Home — A Strategy to Address Adult Homelessness in Ireland 2008-2013, relates to the elimination of long-term occupancy of emergency homeless accommodation. The strategy contains specific targets to ensure that no one will be in emergency accommodation for more than six months by 2010.

In the long term, this goal will be statutorily underpinned through the local homeless action plans. It is intended that these plans will address a broad range of issues, including accommodation and community support services. They will be developed through inter-agency co-operation and in partnership with the voluntary sector. I have indicated that we are working on proposals to follow through on the strategy's commitment to place the plans on a statutory footing, but it was not possible to complete the work on time for Report Stage of the Bill. In light of the ongoing work, will the Senators withdraw their amendment?