12th May 2003

PRESS RELEASE

GREENS CALL FOR END TO PROFITEERING FROM HOMLESSNESS

Green Party Justice spokesperson, Ciarán Cuffe TD, has called for an end to profiteering at the expense of the homeless  as new Government homeless figures released today show an increase.    Last year 50 million euros was spent on homelessness with Dublin City Council paying out a massive 19.5 million euros to B&B owners to accommodate homeless persons.

Mr. Cuffe said that Government policy was merely lining the pockets of landlords. "It is disgusting to think that one landlord alone grossed an estimated 1.4 million euros for providing homeless accommodation.  The solution to homelessness is not just about a roof over your head, it is about providing greater funding for support services so that those who are homeless can get out of the rut they are in."

"The B&B system highlights the governments lack of support for tackling homelessness in the long term.  The Government is wasting valuable time and money concentrating solely on short-term solutions.   For example, in 2002 twenty two per cent of  people who were in contact with Simon outreach workers had mental illness.  Improvements need to be made in the healthcare service to aid such people.  Currently there is very little after-care for homeless people who have been discharged from in-patient psychiatric care."

Mr. Cuffe said that everyone should have access to suitable accommodation.  "If the right to housing was inserted into the Constitution, then local authorities would be held accountable to house people in their areas.  This initiative would provide people with permanent residency and give them a sense of security and confidence that every individual should be entitled to."

The Green Party has called on the government to hold a referendum on the right to housing.  The Party are also insisting that Minister Martin Cullen support the recommendations laid out in the Annual Report of the Simon Community for combating homelessness.