Dublin People - Homeless spending embargo slammed

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Homeless spending embargo slammed

Thursday, 13 March 2008

THE Health Service Executive’s (HSE) spending embargo, which has put a hold on the expansion of a vital Northside drop-in centre, has been criticised by the Dublin Simon Community and local representatives.
Last month Northside People revealed how the HSE had reneged on promised funding for the expansion of the Ana Liffey Project in the city centre.
The centre was expanding its services for homeless clients suffering from drug and alcohol problems.
The expansion was a recommendation put forward by a multi-disciplinary group which included the Homeless Agency, Merchant’s Quay Ireland, the gardai and the HSE itself.
According to the Dublin Simon Community, the tightening of the HSE’s purse strings is having a damaging effect.
“We are concerned and worried that genuine, much needed additional services for rough sleepers, people suffering from drug and alcohol addictions and adequate accommodation will not be funded this year,” it was stated.
“The HSE has no plans to fund or support developments regarding the Homeless Agency Action Plan.
“In addition, funding for the cost of living has been frozen for the Dublin Simon Community and we believe for all other organisations in this sector.”
The spokesperson added that the HSE’s lack of funding would not be taken lying down.
“There is currently a crisis of ownership regarding the action plan to end homelessness.”
Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald (SF) blamed the Government for the HSE’s funding restraints.
“We have a serious problem with homelessness in this country,” she said.
“The announcement by the Homeless Agency that no new funds are to be made available from the HSE and that existing funds are to be frozen to 2007 levels is simply unacceptable.”
A spokesperson from the HSE said they needed to look at how their budget was used.
“We need to look at how best we spend our money and we’re examining the whole area of financial expenditure on homeless services with a view to seeing how best we might effect change,” he said.

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