Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 May 2017
39. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he has engaged with the housing associations and local authorities in ensuring that there will be drug-free accommodation for those in recovery from addiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24788/17]
View answerUnder my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), funding of up to 100% of project costs may be advanced by housing authorities to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to provide accommodation for various target groups, including specific categories of housing need such as accommodation for the elderly, homeless people and people with a disability. Applications to deliver new social housing under CAS are made by AHBs to the relevant housing authority and, as with all social housing projects, it is a matter for the housing authority to prioritise projects on the basis of how they meet the area's housing need.
Responsibility for policy development in relation to addiction and rehabilitation issues rests with the Minister for Health and the delivery of services in this regard is managed through the Health Service Executive. Under the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, the Department of Health and the HSE are committed to addressing the rehabilitation needs of homeless people with addiction issues through the forthcoming new National Drugs Strategy, which will include increased drug and alcohol detoxification facilities, and enhanced associated programmes, to support long-term recovery.
