I propose to take Questions Nos. 323 and 324 together.
My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist local authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
It is my Department’s policy to provide permanent accommodation insofar as possible, while at the same time respecting the nomadic tradition of the Traveller community. Cognisant of emergencies which arise from time to time, which by their nature cannot be planned for or anticipated, my Department provides funding to local authorities of up to 50% to assist with the cost of purchase of emergency replacement mobile caravans.
My Department sought and received sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to roll out a pilot Caravan Loan Scheme to improve access to traditional Traveller-specific accommodation options for Traveller families. My Department commenced the pilot scheme in July of 2021 for a trial period of 6 months, following consultation with stakeholders including the local authorities, the National Traveller MABS and the Traveller representative organisations.
The participating local authorities are Cork City Council, Dublin City Council, South Dublin County Council and Limerick City and County Council. The maximum funding available under the pilot Caravan Loan Scheme is €30,000 per loan. The terms of the Caravan Loan Scheme do not specify that units must be new or second hand, allowing the loan recipient the freedom to source a unit suitable to their needs.
When the pilot phase is complete, officials from my Department will review the operation of the pilot Caravan Loan Scheme with input from the local authorities and other stakeholders. A report will be prepared for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and options for the expansion of the pilot scheme will be considered at the conclusion of this process.