Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
345. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to ensure the full Traveller accommodation budget for 2021 is utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4254/21]
View answer347. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to ensure the full Traveller accommodation budget for 2021 is spent on new accommodation as opposed to refurbishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4256/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 345 and 347 together.
In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
Following a review of the arrangements for the disbursement of funding for the provision and related supports of Traveller specific accommodation a new allocation process was implemented for 2020. My Department has ceased the practice of allocating specific budgets to individual local authorities. Instead, it is open to all local authorities to apply for and drawdown funds at any time throughout the year and this is actively encouraged by my Department. My Department’s capital budget of €14.5m for Traveller Accommodation was drawn down in full in 2020. Officials from my Department will continue to make regular contact with each local authority throughout 2021 to support and facilitate the development of effective Traveller accommodation projects.
