Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health the amount the Health Service Executive has contributed to the Dublin Region Homeless Executive each year since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51797/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and local authorities have statutory responsibility for the provision of homelessness services in Ireland in line with the National Homeless Strategy, 'The Way Home 2008-2013' and 'Pathway to Home' which set out the new configuration of support services to be provided in the Dublin region for those at risk of, or currently experiencing homelessness.

Local authorities identify and address the level of need through a range of community based accommodation options and related housing supports, and the HSE and its partner agencies arrange health and personal social care supports appropriate to the individual service user's needs within this structure.

The allocation of the HSE's homeless budget comes within the remit of the HSE and is allocated based on identified needs in line with the overall financial constraints that the HSE operates within.

In relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.