Homeless men living rough in Carlow
De Rossa said Carlow health board had not accepted responsibility for men living rough and asked what would be done. Desmond agreed the situation was unsatisfactory, said he had asked the board to make better arrangements, and noted limited local voluntary capacity.
Perhaps we could have an extension for a few moments to cover these questions. Question No. 20 dealt with health boards not accepting their responsibility. I am informed that the Simon Community told the previous holder of that office——
Comment on this
I am leading up to a question. In 1982 there were ten men living rough in the Carlow area for whom the health board did not accept responsibility, and up to recently there were four men in that area living rough for whom the health board did not accept responsibility. The only care they received was from a voluntary religious organisation which provided them with food. What does the Minister intend doing about that situation?
Comment on this
There can be no more supplementary questions because Question Time is over but the Minister may answer that question.
Comment on this
I accept that the situation in Carlow is unsatisfactory and I have asked the health board to make more positive arrangements. The extent of voluntary commitment in the Carlow town area is limited unfortunately and the health board, together with local Christian voluntary organisations, are endeavouring to make arrangements, but the Sisters have considerable difficulty in making suitable arrangements. In the south-eastern region there are 117 places for homeless persons, not as many as we would wish, and Carlow is about the only black spot in the country.