I propose to take Questions Nos. 252, 254 and 255 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 associated services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.
Decisions in relation to the provision of accommodation to households experiencing homelessness are a statutory function of the housing authorities and my Department has no role in decisions in this area. My Department is working with the local authorities to deliver additional family hubs to minimise the numbers of families being provided with emergency accommodation in hotels. To date, 24 family hubs have been developed nationally, including 20 in Dublin, providing accommodation for over 550 families. Budget 2019 provided €60m in capital funding for emergency accommodation, which will support the delivery of additional family hubs nationally.