Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 29:

In page 20, between lines 20 and 21, to insert the following:

"(d) measures to prevent and reduce homelessness.".

As I have often stated, the Bill is a very good one and gives considerable structure to the housing allocation systems in housing authorities. However, it is a pity that no clear provision for homelessness has been included and for that reason, the Bill is not complete.

We have proposed the amendment to ensure homelessness is recognised in legislation. As other Senators stated, Fine Gael has consulted many of the agencies, NGOs and organisations that are working at the coalface with the homeless on an hourly and daily basis and, like us, they are anxious that homelessness is properly recognised in legislation.

The section refers to the allocation of dwellings and how allocation schemes are run. It is only reasonable that the phrase "measures to prevent and reduce homelessness" is inserted. Will the Minister of State consider accepting the amendment?