Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
445. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that essential funding will be maintained in respect of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51075/12]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with the housing authorities and the implementation of the homeless strategy at local and regional level is being carried out through the framework of statutory homelessness action plans adopted by housing authorities. My Department does not fund any service or voluntary body directly but recoups local authorities 90% of the cost of the service provided with an additional 10% coming from the local authorities' own resources.
My Department’s current funding provision for the running costs of homeless accommodation and related services for 2012 is €50 million, which, together with 10% provided from housing authorities’ own resources, brings the total available funding to €55.55 million in 2012. This level of funding means that there will be no reduction in the provision of essential front-line support services.
