Seven Homeless Die As HSE Funding Drops

Seven homeless people died on Dublin’s streets in a two-week period over Easter after the Health Service Executive (HSE) announced it was to cut spending on its homeless facilities.

Homeless accommodation facilities therefore lay empty as the HSE refused to pay staff to man them, leaving many of Dublin’s homeless unsupported and on the streets.

Irish current affairs programme Prime Time said in a special report on Tuesday that at least five major homeless facilities in Dublin were either lying idle or being under utilised due to a lack of HSE funding.

A 30-bed facility in James Street was due to open earlier this year but remains closed, while in Brunswick Street only seven of 17 family units have been used since January.

The programme also revealed a new homeless service in Middle Abbey Street has been denied HSE funding for running costs, while shockingly, an emergency accommodation facility in Cork Street for homeless people with special needs also remains under-utilised.

The HSE has said it is actively in negotiations with the Department of Health to obtain funds to meet the needs of homeless people in Ireland.

The HSE recently made a decision to cut this year's funding to homeless services. The decision contravenes a Government plan aimed at eliminating the problem of homelessness in Ireland.

Responding to the Prime Time report, the HSE denied there were cutbacks but said it was in negotiations with the Department of Health to get additional funding.

(DW)