Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
1270. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the estimated cost of doubling the provision of housing under Housing First; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4670/20]
View answerHousing First enables homeless individuals with high levels of complex needs to obtain permanent secure accommodation with the provision of intensive housing and health supports to help the individuals concerned maintain their tenancies.
The National Implementation Plan for Housing First was published in September 2018. The Plan includes an overall target of 663 tenancies in the period 2018-2021, with annual targets for each local authority. The Plan is a joint initiative of my Department, the Department of Health, the HSE and the local authorities. The cost of meeting the housing elements of Housing First in 2020 is estimated at €2.9m.
The cost of increasing the targets for Housing First would be dependent on the numbers of individuals requiring these supports and where the individuals are located. In this regard, it is important to note that the majority of individuals in emergency accommodation do not require the level of supports provided by Housing First.
