Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 315: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a single definition of homelessness will be agreed upon in order that all stakeholders are working from the same sheet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34103/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Government's new homeless strategy The Way Home: A Strategy to address Adult Homelessness in Ireland 2008-2013, a review of the operational definition of homelessness is to be carried out by the end of 2009. The Homeless Agency is currently working with the Centre for Housing Research to develop a position paper regarding a common operational definition for the Dublin area. This paper will input into the review of the operational definition to be undertaken by the Cross Department Team on Homelessness, in consultation with the National Homeless Consultative Committee.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 316: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on using the rental accommodation scheme to address the housing needs of the long-term homeless and those in transitional housing. [34104/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's new homeless strategy The Way Home: A Strategy to address Adult Homelessness in Ireland 2008-2013 sets out a comprehensive framework for tackling the issue of homelessness.

One of the key strategic aims of the strategy is to ensure that an adequate supply of housing is made available to meet the long-term housing needs of homeless persons. The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) has been identified as one of a range of options offering potential in meeting the needs of certain homeless households, particularly single person households who are capable of independent living. This is supported by the initial feedback from a number of pilot projects already in operation where RAS is used to accommodate homeless households.