Homelessness legislation and response
Deputy Kitt asks when housing legislation and a stakeholder initiative will address rising homelessness. The Taoiseach expects Heads by year-end and publication in spring, while the Minister of State is engaging with agencies and stakeholders.
When I last asked about the status of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, the Taoiseach told me it would be taken next year. In view of the current statistics on homelessness, when will that Bill or any other Bill that might help to address the 18% increase in homelessness during the past ten months referred to this morning by Focus Ireland, be introduced?
The Taoiseach also mentioned previously that he might take an initiative in this regard by way of a meeting with stakeholders chaired, perhaps, by him to address the situation countryside and Dublin in particular.
Comment on this
The Heads of that Bill will be ready by the end of this year. Publication will, therefore, probably be in the spring of next year. The Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, is working diligently on this matter with the voluntary agencies in this area which are funded in part by the State and with the statutory authorities. It is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Comment on this
Will the Taoiseach be taking the initiative of bringing the stakeholders together?
