asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the proposal by the Western Health Board that Galway Social Service Council operate a hostel for the homeless in Galway city with 100 per cent health board funding; and if he considers that it would be preferable to allow the Simon Community to operate this hostel with health board support with a possible saving of £25,000; and if he will make a statement of the matter.

13.

asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for the Simon Community to run the proposed hostel for homeless men in Galway city, with support from the Western Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 together.

Construction work on Galway Social Service Council's hostel for homeless men on the Fair Green, Galway, was recently completed. The shelter is expected to open shortly.

The controversy that developed locally as to the role of the Simon Community in regard to the operation of this project has been resolved. It has been agreed that the management committee for the hostel will be comprised of three representatives of Galway Social Service Council, three representatives of the Galway Simon Community, one representative of the Western Health Board and one representative of Galway Corporation. The shelter will be staffed by three full-time staff of Galway Social Service Council, and two full-time Simon volunteers with the help of part-time voluntary workers.

I appreciate the constructive and responsible approach adopted by all parties involved in the project and I am confident that the venture will provide a high-quality service for the homeless men of Galway city.