Sir, - The recent Primetime television special on homelessness in Ireland revealed a shocking situation here. From the reaction to the recent Budget, it is obvious that we are in the midst of a revolution. We are abandoning our sense of generosity and Christian support for fellow citizens.
The criticism of politicians and others in authority is irresponsible and misplaced. The U-turn in tax policy following 10 days of intensive lobbying by a relatively small group of people shows that TDs are indeed servants to the great populace.
The truth is that people are not overly concerned with homelessness unless it affects them. For the best part of our history as an independent country we have left the care of people with mental problems and social difficulties to three main institutions, the public health system, the Church and voluntary groups (including home helpers). It is patently obvious that the health system is not broad enough to deal with the problem but it has the greatest responsibility. But where are the masses to pressurise TDs and local government representatives into restructuring the health and social systems? The last two groups (the Church and voluntary groups) are beginning to fade in Irish society. While the Church is vilified from all sides because of its past, it is noticeable that many of the articulate leaders of the poor and homeless are members of the clergy. Most voluntary groups are finding it difficult to get people to work with the homeless which is not surprising. Our education system and media are obsessed with the individualisation of our culture and the material satisfaction of the consumer. There are fewer people in our society who are willing to give of themselves for nothing but yet that is what we ask when we continue to leave the care of the homelessness people in the hands of unsupported heroic groups.
As families break down further and the economy slows (as it will eventually) we will see the number of people requiring help multiply. Unless we have a concerted strategic approach we will see 10,000 people on the streets within a decade.
But all is not lost. The rapid reaction of the Government to the threat of political defeat is a great lesson to everyone involved in the homelessness/social inclusion issue. Now is a golden once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the great population of Ireland to recognise that the issue has to be addressed by ourselves through our elected representatives and not left to the churches or voluntary groups. What we need is a strategic approach encompassing education, health, and social organisation. - Yours, etc.,
Mark Needham, Castleknock, Dublin 15.