Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 October 2017
194. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the reason an organisation (details supplied) is only allocated 1.5% of the overall homeless budget in view of the fact that there is a greater need; the formulae used to allocate the moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43072/17]
View answerMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities. My Department does not fund any homeless service directly but provides funding to housing authorities towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services under Section 10 of the Housing Act, 1988.
Funding is provided to housing authorities throughout the course of the year on the basis of scheduled services and any emerging costs arising as a result of increased rates of homeless presentation; my Department has provided reassurance to housing authorities in this regard and keeps the funding needs of the various housing authorities under constant review.
In the light of the statutory functions and the funding position as set out above, the Midlands Simon Community, or any service provider, should engage directly with the relevant housing authorities in the Midlands Region in relation to the requirement for services.
