Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2016
323. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government following the publication of his action plan for housing and homelessness four months ago, the status of the progress made to date on action 2.18 to develop policy options for supported housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35068/16]
View answerMy Department is working with the Department of Health and other key stakeholders to develop a policy position that will facilitate the greater use in Ireland of the model of "housing with supports" for older people. This accommodation model provides each person with their own premises and privacy, while facilitating social contact with other older people and in some cases providing homecare on site, and possibly access to nursing care, a security presence, etc. I expect to publish a policy paper on this topic in 2017.
As part of a cross-sectoral approach to developing this housing model for older people, the Dublin City Housing Working Group - which includes representatives from my Department, Dublin City Council, the Department of Health, the HSE and relevant NGOs - has developed a pilot project. The project has been included as one of the demonstration projects in Rebuilding Ireland - Action Plan for Housing & Homelessness (under action number 2.16). It will comprise 50/60 self-contained units, for single people and couples, accommodating a mix of people with varying support needs. It will have a team of support staff based on-site, as well as providing outreach services for people within a defined catchment area.
