Homeless Accommodation Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2015

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Questions (615)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

615. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to explain the reason there were 40 families awaiting access to emergency family accommodation at the beginning of March 2015 and why on 30 March 2015 there were still 40 families awaiting access to emergency family accommodation; and the action he is taking, in April 2015, to allocate appropriate provisions to Dublin City Council in order that the council can provide emergency accommodation to these families, while they are awaiting housing provision. [15160/15]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

My 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. In accordance with section 10 of the Housing Act 1988, statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities and I have no function in the matter.

My Department does not fund any homeless accommodation or service directly but provides funding to lead housing authorities on a regional basis. Housing authorities also contribute to the funding costs for their areas from their own resources. In 2014, my Department provided €35.3 million in Exchequer funding to Dublin City Council, as the lead authority for the Dublin Region, towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services under Section 10 arrangements. The 2015 regional allocations are currently being finalised with a view to their confirmation shortly.