Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2015
44. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update regarding the homelessness crisis and the Government plans to tackle the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28716/15]
View answerA range of measures are being taken to secure a ring-fenced supply of accommodation to house homeless households and mobilise the necessary supports in order to deliver on the Government's target of ending involuntary long-term homelessness. These measures have been identified in the Government's Implementation Plan on the State's Response to Homelessness (May 2014) and in the Action Plan to Address Homelessness (December 2014).
Progress in implementing these plans is reported through the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. The plans and progress reports are available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/HomelessPeople/
These Plans represent a whole-of-Government approach to dealing with homelessness and the implementation of measures identified in these plans is being overseen by a group of senior officials drawn from key State agencies concerned including my Department; the Department's of Social Protection, Health, and Children and Youth Affairs; the Health Service Executive; Tusla (the Child and Family Agency); the Irish Prison Service; and housing authorities. The Group meets at regular intervals and its next meeting is scheduled for 17 July.
