Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects a new national homeless strategy; if budget restraints are hampering efforts to tackle homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27683/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The new homeless strategy is now being finalised and I expect that it will be published shortly, following the resolution of a number of outstanding issues. It will set out a vision to address adult homelessness over the next five years. In particular, key objectives will be the elimination of long-term occupancy of emergency homeless facilities and the need to sleep rough by the end of 2010.

Very significant resources have been committed to the development of homeless services since the publication of the first integrated Government strategy on homelessness in 2000. Over the 2000 to 2007 period, some €540m in current funding was provided through my Department, local authorities and the HSE for accommodation and care costs in homeless facilities.

My Department is responsible for funding accommodation and related costs of services for homeless persons under section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 and recoups 90% of eligible expenditure by local authorities for such purposes. Following significant increases in funding to local authorities under section 10 in recent years, in excess of €53 million is being provided in 2008. I am satisfied that this funding is adequate to meet current levels of accommodation and related costs of homeless services.

Funding for the care costs arising in homeless facilities is a matter for the HSE. While some €33m has been earmarked for this purpose in 2008, the HSE has experienced difficulties in providing adequate care funding for a number of new and expanded homeless services. Now, following extensive discussions, there are indications that through collaboration between service providers and some rationalisation of existing services, a resolution in the case of a significant new facility at James' Street in Dublin has been reached and that it is likely to open in August. Discussions are continuing with a view to reaching satisfactory solutions in relation to a number of other facilities.