Homeless executive says identity protocol is necessary in assigning emergency beds

Latest: "(The protocol around identity) is there to ensure the safety and protection of all our service-users" and to ensure the person's placement in an appropriate service, the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive said.

Latest: The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) has confirmed that it had a bed available for a homeless man being helped by campaigner Fr Peter McVerry last night, but whose identity could not be verified and who therefore could not be accommodated.

The DRHE's Bevin Herbert confirmed the agency's protocol was to verify the identity of anyone seeking a bed. If - as in last night's case - the person was a first-time user of the service, and therefore not already registered on the DRHE system, he or she is asked to have the Gardaí verify their identity.