396 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason one of the main organisations (details supplied) in Dublin 8 dealing with people who are homeless was not invited to the launch of the Government's homeless preventive strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8006/02]

I launched the Government's homeless preventative strategy on 27 February together with my colleagues, the Ministers for Health and Children, Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Education and Science.

Each of the Departments involved in the preparation of the strategy prepared a list of persons and organisations to be invited to the launch. A representative cross-section of both statutory and voluntary bodies who work in the homeless area, particularly in relation to the prevention of homelessness among people leaving hospitals, mental health facilities, prisons, young offenders centres and young people leaving care, were invited.

I regret that any organisation working with the homeless and who would have wished to be present was not invited and have noted the position for any similar events in the future.