Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2012
151 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the cessation of the night bus service for homeless persons; his plans to provide an alternative service to replace this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4623/12]
View answerStatutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with the housing authorities, and implementation of the homelessness strategy at local and regional level is being carried out through the framework of statutory homelessness action plans adopted by housing authorities.
Dublin City Council (DCC) is the lead authority for the Dublin region. I understand that the night bus service for homeless persons was a service which ceased in September 2011. Any decisions on the organisation of homeless services provided by DCC are a matter for DCC and the Dublin Regional Homeless Statutory Management Group. Funding provided by my Department in 2012 will ensure, at a minimum, the availability of sufficient bed capacity on a nightly basis to anyone in need of a bed and to avoid involuntary rough sleeping.
