Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
487. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage , further to Parliamentary Question No. 240 of 30 November 2021, the number of properties put aside for this reason; the number that have been used for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63470/21]
View answerMy 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 units or properties that are used for households that are in emergency accommodation that may be required to self isolate for COVID-19 purposes.
The number and type of properties provided is an operational issue for the relevant housing authorities in consultation with the HSE, and my Department does not complile the specific information that is sought. From a strategic perspective, in the context of the overall 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 or confirmed cases that arise in homeless services.
