Homeless deaths report
Deputy O'Callaghan highlighted a report showing a sharp rise in deaths among homeless people and the low median age of those who died in emergency accommodation. The Taoiseach said the Minister would meet Dr. Austin O'Carroll and that the findings would inform the Dublin Region Homeless Executive's work.
Today a very sad report was published showing that in 2020 the number of people experiencing homelessness who died on our streets or in homeless services increased by 80% compared with the previous year. I extend my sympathies to the friends, families and loved ones of all those who have died in homeless services and on our streets. The interim report on mortality among the single homeless population by Dr. Austin O'Carroll shows that the median age of someone who died while living in emergency accommodation was just 43 years of age. It also shows that most deaths occurred among people who were experiencing homelessness for 18 months or more. The report shows that there are critical gaps in mental health and dual diagnosis services for people experiencing homelessness. What is the Government doing to reduce the number of deaths among people experiencing homelessness? Will the Government commit to eliminating homelessness?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I presume he is referring to the Dublin Region Homeless Executive's report on deaths among the homeless population in Dublin. It was prepared by Dr. Austin O'Carroll, who is a founding member of the Safetynet GP services for homeless people. The Minister has a copy of the report and will meet Dr. O'Carroll this Thursday to discuss it. It is an informed and evidence-based review of the deaths occurring among users of homeless services. In the Government's view, the findings and recommendations involve a key role for the Dublin Region Homeless Executive. The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, will work with colleagues in other Government Departments - because this is a whole-of-government approach - to act on what is contained in the report. An unprecedented €218 million has been allocated for homeless services. We are getting family homelessness down. It is down by about 39%, with overall homelessness down by 19%, but that is not enough. We need an interdepartmental, multidisciplinary approach to address the issue of homelessness and issues surrounding health and the protection of those who are homeless in respect of mortality and severe illness.
