Written answers

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Homelessness Strategy

Photo of Mary Lou McDonaldMary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the findings of the recent census that 230,000 units lie empty here while up to 5,000 are homeless; his plans to proceed with a housing first initiative to combat this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39068/12]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I welcome the CSO's special Census report, Homeless Persons in Ireland as a further analysis of the homelessness problem. One of the biggest difficulties faced both here and internationally is the definition and categorisation of households who for one reason or another find themselves without a home for long or short periods of time. The CSO figure, published on 6 September 2012, of 3,808 persons either sleeping rough or in accommodation designated for the homeless is of course indicative of a persisting serious issue for our society. However, it is important to note that the rough sleeper count is 64, with 59 of those people located in Dublin. It is not tolerable that anyone should sleep on the streets but it is important that the homeless figures released are not confused with the number of people sleeping rough. The vast majority of people classified in the CSO's report as homeless are in long-term or emergency accommodation.


One of my priorities is to ensure that people have access to secure, stable, appropriate accommodation. Short-term interventions are not a long-term solution to homelessness. I am determined that real solutions for people who find themselves without a home are provided. The Programme for Government committed to reviewing the homeless strategy, The Way Home: A Strategy to Address Adult Homelessness in Ireland 2008-2013 and to implementing a housing led approach to homelessness. Work on the review is almost complete. The review will take account of demands on existing housing and will assess how best to continue providing services in a manner consistent with the elimination of existing homelessness and to ensure more effective prevention strategies. On its conclusion, I will be indicating what I expect from housing authorities and other stakeholders in accelerating progress towards realising the ambition of eliminating involuntary long-term homelessness.

Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 43.

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