David Norris (Independent)

I call for an urgent debate on homelessness in Dublin. I raised this issue previously in the context of what I felt was a rather bureaucratic approach by the Homeless Agency on the collection, harvesting and retention of data on the homeless. It was rather insensitive. Now, the situation has become much worse because the Salvation Army in conjunction with Dublin City Council has announced the closure of the Cedar House emergency centre for the homeless on Marlborough Street. Eight of the people in contact with that agency died on the streets of Dublin over Christmas. This situation will get much worse. The response of the city authorities seems to be to clear these untidy elements off the streets. There is no doubt that they are awkward people. These are the most vulnerable and chaotic people. The excuse being used is that the hostel is not up to standard and that the most amenable people will be put into bed and breakfast accommodation, which is often filthy and poorly run. However, the chaotic people - drug addicts, alcoholics and people with mental problems - will be left out altogether.

Cedar House provides 50 rough sleepers with a bed. Those working there hand out bedding and provide 1,000 items of clothing per week. They feed people day and night and have an outreach service. What will happen to these people? Incidentally, 40 jobs are unceremoniously gone without discussion with the employees. The Salvation Army is seen as a Protestant charity, although I do not think it is. On the other side of the city, at Charlemont, Crosscare, the Catholic agency which does such excellent work, is also being closed at the behest of the city council. I warned that this type of thing might happen when I saw the Government dismantling the Combat Poverty Agency and the Equality Authority. The vulnerable have been left voiceless. It is for the Seanad to take up this cause and colleagues on all sides of the House have called for a debate on homelessness. I call for it urgently and would like it next week. These people are vulnerable and will die. If we do not give a voice to them, we can only hang our heads in shame.