asked the Minister for Health if any estimate exists of the number of homeless men and women in the country; the number availing of accommodation provided by the various health boards on a casual basis; and the plans, if any, to solve this problem.

No estimate is readily available of the numbers of homeless men and women in the country or of the numbers availing of accommodation provided by health boards for persons on a casual basis. However, health boards are being asked for the information and I will communicate the outcome to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Accommodation for such persons has traditionally been provided in association with arrangements for long-term shelter and maintenance of the elderly. In replacing or extending such accommodation, health boards now endeavour to make separate provisions for casuals. This would normally be done in association with voluntary organisations.

Does the Minister agree that this is a growing problem and that there seems to be a big increase in the number of young-able-bodied men drifting around the country, who do not seem to have a medical problem but who are availing of the facilities of these institutions? Quite often these young men are quite troublesome and upset the people who live in the institutions.

I would not accept that the situation is as menacing as the Deputy suggests. It is a problem but I believe that the existing facilities are coping with it in general, if not in some particular area. If the Deputy is aware of an area in which there is a problem he should let me know about it.

Are there any criteria for the admission of such persons to these institutions? Are they admitted only on medical grounds or is any Tom, Dick or Harry allowed to stay overnight?

There are no criteria.

How soon does the Minister hope to have statistics on the number of such persons?

As soon as they come to hand I will let the Deputy have them.

28.