Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2019
216. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the report of the expert group on Traveller accommodation programmes will be published; if the report will be brought to Dáil Éireann for debate or discussion; if all local authorities will be provided with the report in order to inform local Traveller accommodation programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17037/19]
View answerIn line with the commitment in Rebuilding Ireland, and reflecting the disappointing level of overall funding drawdown in recent years, the Housing Agency, in 2017, commissioned a review of funding for traveller-specific accommodation to date. This review had regard to targets contained in local authority TAPs and actual delivery, the current status of accommodation funded and funding provided for accommodation maintenance and other supports.
Following its consideration of the review, the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee recommended the establishment of an independent expert group to review the effectiveness, implementation and operation of legislation and to put forward proposals to improve delivery of Traveller accommodation nationally. The expert group was established in September 2018 and I understand it will submit a report to me shortly.
My Department will consider any recommendations made by the expert group to improve the delivery of Traveller accommodation nationally and to ensure that full use is made of the increased level of funding available for investment in Traveller accommodation. I would be happy to discuss the report with Members of the House at the appropriate time.
