Menu
21/08/2008
Homelessness Plan Criticised By Opposition
The Government's new plan to tackle Ireland's homelessness problem has been given a less than impressed reception by opposition parties.
The document called ‘The Way Home, a strategy to address adult homelessness in Ireland 2008-2013’ sets out a target of 2010 for the total elimination of long-term homelessness and places a statutory obligation on local authorities to develop homeless action plans.
However, Fine Gael's Housing Spokesman, Terence Flanagan TD said the publication is sheer evidence that previous government targets will fail.
"The Government has previously made a commitment to end long term homelessness by 2010. The publication of a new four year Strategy on Homelessness appears to admit that this commitment will not materialize," said minister Flanagan.
The Labour party shared many of the concerns of Fine Gael, although admitted the policy was to be welcomed, and is well intentioned.
Ciarán Lynch, the Labour spokesperson on Housing and Local Government said the proposal provides no clarity on what the actual priorities are, what the targets will be, how and when resources will be allocated, and who will be responsible for delivering on services.
Minister Lynch said: "Ending homelessness is possible and ensuring an adequate supply of housing would be a good start. According to the NESC, we need 10,000 social housing units per year, a target that Labour fully supports, but unfortunately the Government is falling lamentably short in this regard."
He added there are currently an estimated 5,000 people classified as homeless, with over 40,000 on local authority housing lists.
(DW)
The document called ‘The Way Home, a strategy to address adult homelessness in Ireland 2008-2013’ sets out a target of 2010 for the total elimination of long-term homelessness and places a statutory obligation on local authorities to develop homeless action plans.
However, Fine Gael's Housing Spokesman, Terence Flanagan TD said the publication is sheer evidence that previous government targets will fail.
"The Government has previously made a commitment to end long term homelessness by 2010. The publication of a new four year Strategy on Homelessness appears to admit that this commitment will not materialize," said minister Flanagan.
The Labour party shared many of the concerns of Fine Gael, although admitted the policy was to be welcomed, and is well intentioned.
Ciarán Lynch, the Labour spokesperson on Housing and Local Government said the proposal provides no clarity on what the actual priorities are, what the targets will be, how and when resources will be allocated, and who will be responsible for delivering on services.
Minister Lynch said: "Ending homelessness is possible and ensuring an adequate supply of housing would be a good start. According to the NESC, we need 10,000 social housing units per year, a target that Labour fully supports, but unfortunately the Government is falling lamentably short in this regard."
He added there are currently an estimated 5,000 people classified as homeless, with over 40,000 on local authority housing lists.
(DW)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 March 2024
PSNI Welcomes CJINI Inspection Report
The PSNI has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspection report and said that it accepts all of the recommendations that relate to the Police Service.
PSNI Welcomes CJINI Inspection Report
The PSNI has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspection report and said that it accepts all of the recommendations that relate to the Police Service.
22 September 2016
Homelessness Pillar Of 'Rebuilding Ireland' Action Plan Published
The Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Simon Coveney, has announced the details of the Homelessness Pillar under "Rebuilding Ireland – an Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness".
Homelessness Pillar Of 'Rebuilding Ireland' Action Plan Published
The Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Simon Coveney, has announced the details of the Homelessness Pillar under "Rebuilding Ireland – an Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness".
20 January 2020
Charity Hits Out As More Families Enter Homelessness
A Dublin based homelessness charity is urging political parties to unite to address the housing crisis. Focus Ireland made the call as it was revealed that at least three families enter homelessness everyday in Ireland.
Charity Hits Out As More Families Enter Homelessness
A Dublin based homelessness charity is urging political parties to unite to address the housing crisis. Focus Ireland made the call as it was revealed that at least three families enter homelessness everyday in Ireland.
09 September 2019
Homelessness Crisis 'Most Glaring Example Of Inequality In Ireland'
The housing and homelessness crisis has been described as the "most glaring example of inequality in Ireland today". Labour Housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan accused the Government of failing to deliver adequate affordable and social housing. She said that a new approach to the problem is needed.
Homelessness Crisis 'Most Glaring Example Of Inequality In Ireland'
The housing and homelessness crisis has been described as the "most glaring example of inequality in Ireland today". Labour Housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan accused the Government of failing to deliver adequate affordable and social housing. She said that a new approach to the problem is needed.
02 November 2018
Estate Agent Finders Fee 'Sign Of Increasing Desperation' - SF
The offer of a €500 estate agent finder's fee if homes are found for homeless families has been described as a "sign of increasing desperation". Criticising the move, Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin, said: "The pressure the DRHE is under to source homes is due to central government failure to tackle the homeless crisis.
Estate Agent Finders Fee 'Sign Of Increasing Desperation' - SF
The offer of a €500 estate agent finder's fee if homes are found for homeless families has been described as a "sign of increasing desperation". Criticising the move, Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin, said: "The pressure the DRHE is under to source homes is due to central government failure to tackle the homeless crisis.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with some late sunshine to end the day. Clear spells through the first part of the night but low cloud feeding in from the north later giving some mist or fog patches. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
