THOSE WHO shout loudest invariably receive most attention. Because of that, the needs of the homeless are not rating highly on a list of official priorities. As tax revenues decline, those least capable of speaking up for themselves become the first to experience the cold wind of neglect. Plans to develop services and implement a Government strategy to end homelessness by 2010 have been put on hold.
The Homeless Agency, an official body which distributes funding to a range of providers in the public and voluntary sectors, has been told by the Health Service Executive (HSE) that no money for development will be provided this year. And, as the Dublin Simon Community points out, Government policy to end long-term homelessness cannot be implemented without additional financial support.
At least 55 homeless people, with an average age of 42 years, died in 2006. The general cause was "ill health". That condition arose from years of neglect; of living rough, frequently involving alcohol and drug abuse. The life span of those unfortunate people was little more than half of that enjoyed by comfortable, suburban dwellers. But the situation had improved. There was a notable decrease in the number of people sleeping rough during the previous five years.
Before the last Budget, the main homeless charities appealed for a five per cent increase in funding to the Minister for Finance Brian Cowen. They didn't get it. But top public servants were granted significantly larger pay awards. Two days after the Budget, the HSE announced it was conducting a review of services. That is a traditional mechanism used to avoid keeping promises. Clearly, the HSE had received insufficient money to meet its commitments and had decided the homeless were least likely to kick up a damaging fuss.
This is not good enough. For too long, belt-tightening in tough economic times has mainly afflicted the least well off. That must stop. In recent years, Mr Cowen has displayed a commendable social conscience by providing welfare recipients with a rising standard of living. Social equity and inclusiveness now require that the slow progress made in eliminating homelessness should not be abandoned. Important housing targets and support systems have been identified as necessary advances. Good developments have taken place. Ending long-term homelessness by 2010 is an exciting and ambitious project. Anything that gives hope and confidence to the marginalised, while encouraging an enhanced sense of social cohesion, deserves widespread support.