Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 June 2018
264. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he is represented on the Dublin Region Homeless Executive working group which is examining the possible impact of Brexit on homeless services; when this working group will report to him; the additional resources that will be required to cater to an increased demand for shelter post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28131/18]
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 homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities.
The group referred to is internal to the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) and is designed to ensure that, from an operational perspective, the DRHE has robust systems in place to deal with any increase that may arise in the number of non-nationals seeking assistance from homeless services following the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. While therefore not represented on this group, my Department works closely with the DRHE in relation to homelessness issues on an ongoing basis and, in that context, will be engaging in a similar manner in relation to any issues emerging from the working group.
