Question:
129 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the standards that apply to emergency accommodation taken by the Eastern Regional Health Authority for the purpose of housing homeless people. [4289/01]
Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.
At present, all private emergency accommodation in the Dublin area is sourced by Dublin Corporation and the placements are made by the Northern Area Health Board on the corporation's behalf.
A rationalisation of the existing facilities has been carried out by Dublin Corporation and I understand from the corporation that, at this point, all private emergency accommodation allows residents remain in occupation 24 hours a day, if required. In all newly contracted accommodation, the corporation insists on free access for residents, 24 hour security, high standard of accommodation, a limit on the number of bed spaces, good overall management and regular inspections by corporation staff. The accommodation is also inspected by the environmental health inspectorate and the fire prevention officers.
As regards accommodation procured prior to the introduction of these arrangements, regular inspections are carried out and standards are constantly being monitored and improved where necessary. The use of bed and breakfast accommodation as medium term accommodation for families is regarded by Dublin Corporation as unsuitable and the steps taken by the corporation have ensured that bed and breakfast accommodation where people are required to leave during the day is no longer used as medium term emergency accommodation.