asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the number of homeless men in the Galway city area; the steps being taken to deal with this tragedy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There are 16 homeless men in Galway city. This number varies from time to time.

The question of the provision of a hostel for homeless men in Galway city is being actively pursued by the Galway Social Services Council, Galway Corporation and the Western Health Board. A site has been provided by the Western Health Board which will also bear the capital cost. A decision on the application for planning permission is awaited.

In the meantime accommodation is being provided at De Montfort House, Upper Fairhill Road. This facility is lent on a temporary basis by the Legion of Mary to the Simon Community.

Can the Minister indicate if there are any plans afoot to provide accommodation for homeless men in Cork, or Dublin or any other area?

That is a separate question.

I agree that in other urban areas the situation is equally appalling. In Galway the work being done by the local authority and the Simon Community is to be commended.

Will the Minister ensure that the involvement of the Simon Community in this project in Galway is recognised? I gather it is being financed by the health board and staffed mainly by people from the social service council. I understand that the input of the Simon Community, who are the experts in this field in Galway, is not that great.

I am examining that situation at the moment. I am concerned to ensure that there is no friction between voluntary community organisations and the statutory authorities in Galway, or Wexford or any other part of the country.

I hope the Minister will go further than that and give definite recognition to the work of the Simon Community. A conflict is appearing already and the pity is——

A question Deputy please.

The Simon Community are providing a voluntary service which otherwise would cost quite an amount of money and their input should be very strong in Galway.

Any Minister would try to ensure that there is a joint co-operative role for the voluntary bodies and the statutory agencies. I will be endeavouring to see that that occurs in this critical area.