A Study of the Number, Profile and Progression Routes of Homeless Persons before the Court and in Custody

This study aimed to obtain information on homeless people appearing before the courts and in custody in the Dublin Metropolitan area and to track and to determine how homeless persons progress through the court and prison systems. The overall objective was to provide information the Probation and Welfare Service's processes of policy formation, service development and planning. Findings on the number of homeless offenders, their profile, their progression routes into the criminal justice system and prisoner reintegration are presented. Recommendations are made regarding sentencing policy, agency responsibility for ex-prisoners and appropriate issues for discussion by the Cross Departmental Committee on Homelessness. It is also recommended that drug free units be available across all closed regime prison establishments.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

Are We Choosing Health? Annual Public Health Report from Healthcare Commission and Audit Commission

A new report by the Healthcare Commission and Audit Commission assesses the impact government policy has had on: narrowing health inequalities; improving sexual and mental health; and reducing smoking, alcohol misuse and obesity.

Closing the gap (Care Quality Commission national study)

Closing the gap: Tackling cardiovascular disease and health inequalities by prescribing statins and stop smoking services

The London Health Commission prospectus 2006-2008: Partnership for health: challenges for action

The London Health Commission programme of work to 2008 has identified four Health Challenges to stimulate action on its top priorities durng the next three years. It is urging organisations to join in action to increase the number of disabled people in employment; introduce smoke-free workplace policies; improve access to effective language support services for their users; help improve the emotional health and well being of young Londoners.

Revised Criteria and Procedures for the Establishment of New Primary Schools - Report of the Commission on School Accommodation

Part One explores the background factors relating to new school establishment, outlines the views received as a result of consultation with the public and the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC) and reviews international practice in relation to establishment of new schools. The population of the country experienced an unprecedented increase in the past ten years. Despite the current economic downturn, the effect of this recent population increase is that growth in demand for school places is set to increase over the short to medium term. The overriding objective is to ensure that a school place is available to every child. Part Two explores issues around planning for new schools in the future. It discusses patron selection, the mechanism for identifying the need for a new school and proposals for cost effectiveness, including campus arrangements. A school is of central importance to a local community and therefore the establishment of a new school must be carried out with reference to the overall plan of the local authority for any given area. Guidelines published under Section 28 of the Planning Act entitled “The Provision of Schools and the Planning System” (July 2008) establish a 7 framework for co-operation between the Department and planning authorities to ensure the timely and cost-effective provision of school facilities.