I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 21 together.
The target set in Rebuilding Ireland, that by mid-2017 hotels will only be used in limited circumstances to provide emergency accommodation for families, is necessarily ambitious. However, I believe that the significant efforts currently being made by local authorities and other key bodies, supported by my Department, will enable the objective to be achieved.
It is intended that the long-term housing needs of families that are currently homeless will be met through a mix of social housing solutions, particularly through the enhanced Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, general social housing allocations and other letting arrangements that the housing authorities consider appropriate. Significant results are already being achieved in this regard, with housing authorities achieving over 3,000 sustainable exits from homeless accommodation into independent tenancies during 2016, a record level of exits in a calendar year.
Local authorities are also pursuing a range of new emergency accommodation facilities that can be used as an alternative to hotels, to accommodate households during periods of homelessness. These supported accommodation initiatives will provide temporary accommodation for homeless families with a greater level of stability, services and supports than are available in hotel accommodation, while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured.
All the agencies involved will continue to remain focused in the months ahead on the achievement of the mid-year hotels target.