No-one sleeping rough in city centre claim

The Minister claimed no-one was left abandoned on the streets of the city during the last month of 2009 in response to a query tabled at the Stormont Assembly.

Asked by DUP MLA Simon Hamilton for details of those sleeping rough in Londonderry and elsewhere she advised that the Londonderry: First Housing Aid and Support Services (FHASS) provides a night time outreach service in the city and claimed this ensured there were no individuals sleeping rough in December.

She also stated: "A Rough Sleepers/Street Drinkers strategy for Derry has ensured the availability of crisis accommodation and night support services delivered by FHASS. Individuals are collected and escorted to a range of voluntary sector hostels in the city."

She stated: "There are no actual targets to reduce or eliminate rough sleeping but the services that are provided exist to eliminate the need for people to sleep rough.

"These services that have led to an overall reduction in the numbers of rough sleepers are all preventative measures arising initially from the 2002 Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) Homelessness Strategy which led to the Rough Sleeper Strategy established in Belfast in 2004 and are funded by the NIHE in partnership with the voluntary sector.

"The Derry Rough Sleeper strategy was established in 2009 and a phased implementation plan has been introduced to establish a continuum of services for this client group."