Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will guide local authorities and State agencies towards a broader and more realistic definition of homelessness, as recommended by the Simon and Combat Poverty Agency report published earlier in 2005, to inform policy and planning in a more effective way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30384/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The definition of homelessness in the Housing Act 1988 provides for a wide range of circumstances on the basis of which a person may be deemed homeless by a local authority. I am, however, aware of calls for the revisiting of this definition and for its application on a more consistent basis by local authorities nationally. The independent review of the implementation of the integrated and preventative homeless strategies and their associated action plans, which is nearing completion, is addressing issues relevant to this matter. I expect that the outcome of this review will assist future decisions in this area.