New policy group tasked to end long-term homelessness by 2016
A policy implementation team is to be charged with ending long-term homelessness by 2016.
The measure was agreed by the Cabinet at its meeting today, following recommendations from the Minister for Housing, Jan O'Sullivan.
One of the first jobs of the team will be the preparation and publication of a structured, practical plan to make the transition from shelter-led to a sustainable housing-led approach.
The plan will also set targets for the supply of suitable properties for people who are homeless.
It will also provide for short-term accommodation to eliminate the need to sleep rough - and closing expensive private emergency accommodation over the medium term.
The previous Government had set a goal of eliminating long-term homelessness by 2010, but failed to achieve the target.
