21/02/2013

Government Set Date To End Homelessness

The government has set 2016 as the date by which it will end long-term homelessness.

In light that the former Fianna Fáil-led government failed to make the same target in 2011, despite greater resources, Housing Minister Jan O'Sullivan insisted the goal can now be achieved by a better use of resources including switching the focus from emergency shelters towards medium to long term housing for the homeless.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, the minister said: "We intend to move away from the 'staircase' model which sees families move between various stages including emergency shelters before eventually securing an appropriate place."

Adding: "We have to ensure that value for money is delivered and that valuable resources are used in the best possible way."

Currently some 3,000 people are thought to be homeless in Ireland.

(H)


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