John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the statement by the homeless support group Trust that the homeless problem is worse now than it was 30 years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36629/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I strongly disagree with the assessment referred to in the question.

The amount and variety of accommodation available for homeless persons has increased significantly since the introduction of Homelessness: An Integrated Strategy in 2000. This has been accompanied by initiatives in the areas of outreach and resettlement and the provision of a wide range of services to address the needs of homeless persons in relation to care, health, mental health and addiction issues.

The outcome of an independent review of the implementation of the homelessness strategies, which included wide-ranging consultation with statutory and voluntary agencies as well as homeless people, will inform future policy decisions in this area.