Traveller Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Questions (1559)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

1559. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the case of persons (details supplied) in County Cork; if his further attention has been drawn to the failure of the council to provide them with accommodation; if his attention has been drawn to attempts made by Cork City Council to pressure this family and other residents in the halting site either directly or through agents to leave this accommodation; his plans to address the needs of Traveller families in these circumstances; if he has provided guidance to the local authorities that takes into consideration health and safety of the families and the children's educational needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34148/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

In accordance with the provisions of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, statutory responsibility for addressing the accommodation needs of Travellers rests with individual housing authorities. This includes the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes, designed to meet these needs. The statutory requirements of the Act also place a strong emphasis on consultation by housing authorities with all interests concerned, including other local public authorities, community and other bodies, in responding to the accommodation needs of Travellers. My Department’s role is to provide an adequate legislative and financial system to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation.

My Department understands from Cork City Council that the family involved entered a halting site after vacating their private rented accommodation following the repossession of this property. I understand that the family were requested by the Council to vacate the halting site and to engage with the Council’s Homeless Services, in accordance with the supports provided by the Council in such instances.