I propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 382 together.
The primary responsibility for provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with local authorities. Kildare County Council have staff and arrangements in place to provide emergency support to persons who find themselves homeless. The Community Welfare Service and Mid-Leinster rents unit work closely with County Council staff in these situations to ensure all necessary service and entitlements are provided in each instance to ensure a process that is as seamless as possible.
The range of emergency supports is broadly similar in all areas. Because of the scale of homelessness in Dublin, services are organised centrally. Similar emergency supports are available to homeless people within Kildare and other areas outside of Dublin, though accessed differently. In instances where persons present as homeless they are normally referred to the Homeless Service of Kildare County Council where an assessment of their accommodation need is made and emergency accommodation provided where necessary. The Department’s role with regard to persons who are homeless is mainly income maintenance which is considered by departmental staff in liaison with the Kildare County Council homeless officers.