Sir, - On reading the article "Long Day's Journey into Homeless Night" by Declan Walsh (August 13th), one could be forgiven for thinking our gardai are expected to provide a baby sitting service, and our professionally trained social workers a courier service to deliver fish and chips.
The planning of services for homeless people in general needs an urgent injection of common sense. No great sociological analysis is required to see where some people are likely to end up. A lot of research has been carried out and numerous reports have been published at great expense, going back over at least 25 years. The Report of The Lord Mayor's Commission on Crime, (chaired by Judge Michael Moriarty) highlighted in one section a range of problems related to this issue e.g. lack of co-ordination of services at community level etc. (I was a member of that Commission).
Beds are required urgently for homeless people, many of whom have been homeless for many years. This growing problem cannot be solved by one agency or by beds alone. Massive resources are required at a much earlier stage at community level if we are to attempt to deal with this complex issue.
Homelessness is not just about housing. No more research, reports or initiatives are needed before getting on with the job and if this is not begun soon we are facing a much more chaotic situation.
Alice Leahy,
Director of TRUST (Medical and Social Services for Homeless People), Bride Road, Dublin 8.