Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
308. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the mechanisms in place to support the housing needs of survivors of mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11580/21]
View answerIn responding to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters) and to the concerns of former residents, the Government committed to preparing a Strategic Action Plan. In doing so, the Government committed to a survivor-centred approach, characterised by continuous and enhanced engagement with former residents and their representative groups, including the survivor diaspora, on the development and implementation of the strategic plan and associated policy responses.
The Action Plan will also consider the need for any potential liaison support in relation to local authority services and my Department will work with local authorities in relation to such supports.
Any person who wishes to seek housing supports should apply in the first instance to their local authority for assessment for such supports. The local authority then makes an assessment of their housing requirements, taking into account medical issues or any other issues which are relevant to same, and advises them of their entitlements accordingly.
