Minister of State with responsibility for homelessness is 'urgently needed'

Eva Osborne

The Simon Communities of Ireland has said a Minister of State with responsibility for homelessness is "urgently needed".

The network of homeless support services is urging the Government to appoint the dedicated Minister as part of a plan to address the growing homelessness crisis.

The Simon Communities of Ireland is advocating for a Minister with "sufficient authority" to drive and implement cross-departmental strategies, ensuring a unified approach to tackling homelessness effectively.

Since the Government’s signing of the Lisbon Declaration in June 2021, which committed Ireland to ending homelessness by 2030, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Ireland has increased by 80 per cent.

Figures have risen from 8,014 in June 2021 to 14,429 in July 2024.

Executive director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, Wayne Stanley, said: “In order to fulfil the Government’s commitment to ending homelessness by 2030, we need clear, coherent coordination across Departments and relevant stakeholders to drive the change that is needed.

"A comprehensive plan to end homelessness is required and more importantly, we need a mechanism to drive effective implementation. We need to focus on long-term solutions, and that requires leadership."

"A Minister of State with responsibility for homelessness would ensure that tackling homelessness remains a Government priority.

"Homelessness is not just a housing issue – it intersects with health, education, and other areas. A dedicated Minister could ensure these elements are aligned in delivering effective solutions."

Mr Stanley said the Simon Communities of Ireland's manifesto outlines three pillars: supporting people out of homelessness, actions to prevent homelessness in the first instance, and supporting people experiencing homelessness.

"For years, we have advocated for the enshrinement of the Right to Housing in the Constitution. This will act as a driving force for the policy change that is necessary to tackle homelessness," he said.