Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2016
286. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his plans to work with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to ensure persons with mental health difficulties have access to housing and tenancy support and are protected from becoming homeless, especially upon discharge from inpatient services or when leaving care. [12092/16]
View answerThe Government, both through its commitment to the continued implementation of A Vision for Change, and in line with the new Programme for Government supports access by mental health users to other health and personal social services, where their needs are consistent with their entitlements generally.
In relation to housing and tenancy supports, my Department and the HSE participate in the implementation monitoring group for the Housing Strategy for People with disability, including people with mental health issues, which is addressing the needs of mental health service users in regard to accommodation, tenancy sustainment and related issues, including at sensitive points in their transition to care in the community.
€2m is being provided to address the mental health needs of homeless persons in the Dublin region this year, from additional funding secured for mental health in the 2016 HSE National Service Plan. The funding will support care and case management and intensive addiction and mental health in-reach programmes for homeless people in supported temporary accommodation and in long-term accommodation. The increased funding will also support long-term intensive care for homeless people with chronic and enduring health needs living in long-term supported accommodation that do not require acute hospital care, but have high support needs.
