Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
143. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the measures he is taking to provide affordable housing specifically for those moving out of homelessness and emergency accommodation in view of the large numbers who are stuck in emergency accommodation due to a shortage of housing. [5557/13]
View answer595. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he is taking to address the problem of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5830/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 595 together.
The Government’s Housing Policy Statement, published in June 2011, clearly identifies that the priority for Government will be to meet the most acute needs of households applying for social housing support. I am determined to ensure that the social housing programme is framed in a manner which optimises the delivery of social housing and the return for the resources invested. To achieve this it is essential that we tailor the use of available Exchequer supports to prevailing conditions and explore the full range of solutions to address housing needs.
In relation to homelessness, my Department’s role 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. The Programme for Government committed to reviewing the homeless strategy, The Way Home: A Strategy to Address Adult Homelessness in Ireland 2008-2013 and to implementing a housing-led approach to homelessness. Work on the review is complete and I intend to issue a policy statement on homelessness very shortly. That statement will take account of demands on existing housing and will assess how best to continue providing services in a manner consistent with the elimination of existing homelessness and to ensure more effective prevention strategies. I will be indicating what I expect from housing authorities and other stakeholders in accelerating progress towards realising the ambition of eliminating involuntary long-term homelessness.
