About deaths among people who were homeless

Background

The Department of Health commissioned the HRB to undertake a feasibility study to collect data on all deaths which occurred in 2019 among people who are homeless nationally, to address the need to improve understanding of premature mortality and to provide more complete and accurate national data to inform policy.

 

Methodology

Using the NDRDI methodology, the HRB collects data on all deaths in people who were homeless at the time of death and reported to the Coroner, even if they do not meet the standard NDRDI inclusion criteria.
As the data come from closed coronial files, annual data are routinely updated when new information becomes available.

Defining homelessness

The definition of homelessness reflects international classifications including ETHOS which are adapted to reflect the types of accommodation available to people who are homeless in Ireland.

Technical Advisory Group

The TAG provides insights and expertise to inform the current work and future directions of the NDRDI homeless project.

TAG members currently include representatives from:

  • The Drugs Policy and Social Inclusion Unit, Department of Health;
  • Cork County Council;
  • Cork Simon;
  • Dublin City Council;
  • Dublin Homeless Network;
  • Dublin Regional Homeless Executive;
  • GPs working with people who are homeless
  • HSE Social Inclusion;
  • NOVAS;
  • Housing First National Office,
  • The Housing Agency.