Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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301. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the status of the report he commissioned into the deaths of persons experiencing homelessness; when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3573/21]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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There have been a number of deaths, in recent months, of people who had been sleeping rough or accessing homeless services. Each of these deaths is a tragedy and I extend my sympathies to the families concerned.

The report the Deputy is referring to has been commissioned by the Department of Health who have asked the Health Research Board to undertake a one-year feasibility study to collect data on deaths among people who were homeless. The research will apply the methodology used to compile the National Drug Related Deaths Index, which is a census of drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users and those who are alcohol dependent in Ireland. The data collection for 2019 deaths, including deaths among people who were homeless, is reviewing approximately 17,000 files from all Coroner districts.

I have been informed by the Department of Health, that provided there is not significant delay in inquests being held and that data collection can continue in accordance with Government guidelines in relation to COVID-19, the report should be completed in the last quarter of 2021.

Separate to this, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and the HSE have jointly commissioned a detailed review of recent deaths in homeless services. This report is expected to be completed by the end of February 2021.