John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 634: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to determine the number of homeless people; the number of homeless people under 18 years of age and over 18 years of age in each county and city council area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5429/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The results of the March 2005 housing needs assessment in respect of homelessness are currently being validated by my Department in conjunction with the Homeless Agency. It is anticipated that the results of this assessment will be published in the Department's annual housing statistics bulletin.

Policy regarding homelessness among persons of under 18 years of age is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Health and Children in the context of the Government's youth homelessness strategy.

It is recognised that a comprehensive data system is essential to monitor progress in addressing homelessness. In response to this the Homeless Agency, in conjunction with homeless service providers in Dublin, developed the LINK system, with funding provided by my Department. The purpose of the system is to improve and develop services and service delivery to homeless persons to ensure they receive a continuum of care based on an accurate and up to date assessment of their needs.

The LINK system is intended to help the local authorities to formulate appropriate responses to the accommodation needs of homeless households and individuals. It also facilitates the identification of their non-accommodation requirements and provides a basis for the formulation of responses to their case and support needs by the statutory and voluntary agencies involved.