Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 June 2018
50. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will report on the parameters of classifying homeless figures and statistics; the reason some persons with homeless priority are not included in the overall monthly figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26507/18]
View answer69. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the rationale for recent changes in the way in which homeless figures are calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26878/18]
View answer73. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his Department's definition of homelessness for the purposes of accessing housing; the criteria that deems a person or family to be homeless as interpreted by the local authorities in view of the fact that it would appear that individuals and families that are without a home and receiving temporary shelter with friends or family are not included under the terms of the definition of homelessness in its current form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26611/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 69 and 73 together.
My 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 and related services rests with individual housing authorities, with the criteria for assessing homelessness set out in section 2 of the Housing Act 1988.
My Department publishes a monthly report, which sets out in the number of individuals accessing emergency accommodation during the last full week of each month. There have been no changes to this process. However, during the course of the compilation of the March and April reports, my Department identified that some individuals who had been reported as being in emergency accommodation were in houses and apartments, and a number of local authorities amended their figures to reflect this, following consultation with my Department.
The long-term housing needs of families and individuals who are in emergency accommodation will be met through a range of social housing supports such as the Housing Assistance Payment scheme and through general social housing allocations. Significant progress is being made and in 2017, 4,729 individuals exited emergency accommodation into independent tenancies, a 54% increase on the 3,079 recorded in the previous year.
My main priority and focus over the coming weeks and months, will continue to be to tackle and reduce the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
