Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
596. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if isolation units are in place in County Clare for homeless services to avail of when required in the case of a Covid-19 infection or suspected infection; the locations in which these units are situated; if they are suitable for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16213/21]
View answer677. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authority housing is being used to provide isolation facilities in relation to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14868/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 596 and 677 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 emergency accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities. This includes the provision of Covid-19 self-isolation facilities for the use of households in emergency accommodation.
The matters referred to are operational issues for the relevant housing authorities. However, in the context of the response to Covid-19 my Department is in regular contact with local authorities to ensure the availability of sufficient bed capacity to facilitate the isolation of suspected cases that arise in homeless services. I understand this can include, where it is deemed appropriate based on local circumstances and need, the use of local authority properties.
