Seanad debates

Wednesday, 13 February 2019

10:30 am

Photo of Keith SwanickKeith Swanick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise today the matter of medical requirements of our homeless population. We are all aware homelessness has reached unprecedented levels in this country, with more than 10,000 people homeless in Dublin alone. Homeless people, especially rough sleepers, suffer higher levels of infection and are at risk of developing severe medical conditions, including dental problems. I can give an example. A homeless man who recently began giving tours of the area in which he grew up has become a minor celebrity in his own right but he suffers from medical problems because of years of living on the streets. His new-found profession requires him to interact with the public and he does so quite eloquently. However, his medical card does not cover the dental issues he suffers. We need to see greater effort not only to solve the housing supply problem but also to help human beings who suffer because of homelessness. Will the Leader schedule a debate on the special health requirements of the special homeless population, whether they relate to physical or mental health?

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