An independent review of the Government's homeless strategies published today has recommended five priority areas on which resources should be focused.
The review recommended an increased provision of long-term accommodation, the importance of support and care at local levels, an individual case management approach for homeless people, better data to the causes of homelessness and improved coordination of cross-departmental funding for services.
It concluded by recommending that the integrated and preventative homeless strategies should be amalgamated and revised.
Speaking at the launch today the Minister of State for the Department of the Environment, Noel Ahern, thanked the role of the voluntary sector in providing accommodation and services for homeless persons.
"I want to publicly acknowledge the value of the work they are doing...their contribution is vital for the successful implementation of the Government's strategy", the minister said.
The review was carried out by Fitzpatrick associates economic consultants.
Meanwhile, the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) called on the Government to prioritise investment in the provision of social rented housing in the new national agreement
Head of Services at the ICSH Karen Murphy welcomed today's review but added that unless housing is prioritised the problem of homelessness will persist.
"The ICSH will also be asking the Government to ensure that the provision of social housing is given priority in the proposed new National Development Plan which will run from 2007- 2013," she said.
Labour Party Spokesperson on the Environment Eamon Gilmore called on the right to housing be enshrined in law.
"While the Government can do little about the personal circumstances, such as marital breakdown or alcoholism, specific policy measures such as failing to control house price inflation or to provide sufficient affordable housing have exacerbated the problem," Mr Gilmore said.
"Were the Government to move to formally recognise that every Irish person has the right to a home, we could begin to take their promises on homelessness for real," he added.