Councillor Nial Ring called into Liveline today to continue the conversation the show has been having about homelessness. He told Joe that he wanted to raise the issue of the GPO and groups he has seen offering services to homeless people. He believes the situation is not ideal.
“A huge mess is being made of the façade and the pathway around the GPO and I think, it’s just a significant building…The Proclamation was read outside and when we talk about treating all the children equally, you know, that part of equality hasn't been attained…They should be treated with more dignity than having their teeth fixed outside the GPO…or changing their clothes in Grafton Street.”
Cllr Ring’s main point in all this echoed the sentiment of yesterday’s contributor, Eileen Gleeson from the Dublin Regional Housing Executive. Cllr Ring believes that homeless people will “have a better outcome” if they “link into the proper services”.
Joe asked what should happen to these groups that tend to gather under the canopies at the GPO, the Central Bank and the Bank of Ireland branch at College Green. Cllr Ring wants the groups to go through an organisation like Volunteer Ireland and offer their time.
“Maybe then they would also actually get some training into how to deal with a homeless person. That’s not just a person who needs food and clothing. In a lot of cases, they’ve psychological needs, they’ve medical needs.”
Kevin Shanahan came on the line with Joe. He is one of the people providing free dental services to homeless people outside the GPO. He was not keen on the way the conversation was going with Cllr Ring.
“He hasn't got a clue what he’s talking about. I am incensed listening to him there. He’s saying there’s a mess left after it. Absolute and utter…bull…That place is cleaned up every single Friday night.“
Kevin was adamant that this service benefits those who receive it.
“I’ve seen the difference it makes. I see someone walk in with no teeth and then walk away with a smile.”
Kevin also took issue with some of Cllr Ring’s phrasing.
“Talking about being trained to deal with homeless people. They’re human beings. If you don’t know how to deal with a human being, you might as well give up on life.”
Listen back to the full, heated discussion on Liveline here.