Jimmy Harte (Labour)

I concur with my colleague, Senator Ó Murchú, who called for a debate on homelessness. He mentioned the Simon Community, of which I am a director in the north west, so I appreciate his remark. He made a valid point that may need clarification in that the definition of homelessness has changed in recent years. We always used to regard homeless people as those who were actually sleeping on the street but there is an entirely new breed of homeless people - those who simply do not have an address to call their own. This may be because of family circumstances, perhaps a marriage break-up or an alcohol related problem. They have no address and it is important we recognise there is a group of people who are homeless, even if not obviously so.

Groups such as the Simon Community, Respond and other voluntary housing associations play a very important part. Having been on the local authority in County Donegal as well as with the Simon Community, I can see the benefits to local authorities when the Simon Community provides support staff for people. I know of cases where persons have been given a council house, perhaps a single man in his 40s or 50s, who literally cannot switch on a kettle and does not know how to live on his own. Such people need support. It is fine to give a person a set of keys and a two bedroom apartment or a three bedroom semi-detached house but it is necessary to run and maintain the home. There are simple pointers to learn such as how to switch on and off heating. It is amazing what people do not know. The Simon Community and other associations provide a vital link for people in that bracket. I concur with Senator Ó Murchú in asking for a debate on homelessness. I reiterate homelessness has been redefined in Ireland and is no longer merely that person with a cardboard box on the street but also people who have no address to call their own.