Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2021
95. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing first tenancies delivered and sustained to date in 2021; the target number of housing first tenancies for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62210/21]
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 them maintain their tenancies.
The National Implementation Plan for Housing First, published in September 2018, which puts the programme on a national footing, is designed to provide this response, by delivering permanent housing solutions and associated supports for rough sleepers and long-term users of emergency accommodation. It extended the delivery of Housing First nationally, with the introduction of targets for each local authority. The Plan includes an overall target of 663 tenancies in the period 2018-2021 with a target of 220 tenancies nationally in 2021. The implementation of the Plan is a joint initiative of my Department, the Department of Health, the HSE and the local authorities.
Data on the number of Housing First tenancies created are published every three months as part of my Department's Homeless Quarterly Progress Reports. The most recent report from the end of September 2021 shows that a total of 173 tenancies were created under the Housing First programme nationally in the year to date.
Housing for All commits to the further expansion of Housing First by 1,200 additional tenancies over the next five years. An updated National Implementation Plan, covering the period 2022-2026 is scheduled for publication before the end of December 2021.
