Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2017
679. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if families leaving emergency accommodation to be moved into family hubs will be given assurances on tenure there; if there will be a maximum stay in these hubs; if families will be then rehoused by local authority or voluntary housing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31395/17]
View answerAs part of the response to the commitment contained in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness that, by mid-2017, hotels will only be used as emergency accommodation in limited circumstances, housing authorities are delivering a number of family-focused, supported temporary accommodation facilities (Family hubs).
Family hubs are an important first response for families who become homeless and who have no alternative other than commercial hotels. The hubs will provide more appropriate and suitable accommodation for families. They are not a long term housing solution as families will move into houses and apartments that will be provided under social housing supports, as supply becomes available. This type of emergency accommodation provides a secure and stable placement for families on an on-going basis unlike the insecurity of hotel accommodation especially during peak periods and holidays.
These custom-developed facilities will offer family living arrangements with a greater level of stability than is possible in hotel accommodation while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured. Furthermore, such arrangements will facilitate more coordinated needs assessment and support planning including on-site access to required services, such as welfare, health, housing services, cooking and laundry facilities and appropriate family supports.
Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities, while my Department’s role involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding. In relation to the Deputy's specific query, the operation and management of individual housing solutions for families, such as family hubs, Housing Assistance Payments, local authority allocations, etc. are a matter for the relevant housing authorities.
