Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 May 2017
66. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress that has been made in negotiations with overholders in accommodation in the Curragh camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23259/17]
View answerSome 19 houses which were occupied by overholders in the Curragh camp have been returned by the occupants to the Department in recent times. However overholding continues to be an issue with up to 23 houses still being occupied by overholders in the Curragh Camp. The Department continues to seek the return of these properties.
The Department does not have a role in the provision of housing accommodation for the general public. The Department does however assist in whatever way it can in order to resolve the cases of overholding without recourse to legal action, as it is preferable not to have to use legal means to obtain vacant possession of the properties concerned.
In this context, officials from my Department have met with overholders to determine what assistance can be provided to enable them to vacate the properties. If individuals are not in a position to secure housing in their own right it may be the case that they qualify for social housing or that they qualify for some level of housing assistance. When requested to do so, the Department provides whatever documentation it can to support such applications.
The Deputy can be assured that my Department will deal with any overholders who are in a vulnerable position, in a sensitive manner and will , where possible, work with the local authorities to help identify solutions.
