Survey: A study of the health of homeless people in the west calls for urgent measures to meet their needs.
The new study highlights the high rate of physical and mental health problems among homeless people.
It says there should be stronger health promotion for the homeless and long-term plans should be drawn up to address issues of retraining, employment and housing.
The Western Health Board, in partnership with Galway City Homeless Forum and Mayo Women's Support Service, yesterday published the study.
It reveals that almost two-thirds, or 59 per cent, of homeless people surveyed had physical health problems.
A total of 58 per cent had mental health problems or illnesses.
Despite this, the vast majority of people wanted to rebuild their lives and their main hopes for the future were having a home and a job.
Interviews were conducted with 65 homeless people in Galway city, Castlebar and Ballina.
Introducing the report yesterday, Dr Seán Conroy, of the Western Health Board, stressed the importance of listening to homeless people.
The study recommends a review of alcohol counselling services, the development of a mental health programme for the homeless, and the provision of day and additional transitional facilities.
