Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
593. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will establish a dedicated task force to review the effect of housing insecurity on one-parent families and to develop appropriate solutions. [2163/22]
View answerLocal authorities are independent in the exercise of their functions and, as such, applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended. Lone parents are entitled to access all of the housing support delivery mechanisms on an equal basis with all other citizens.
However, the Government is determined to ensure that housing policy must address the needs of those who experience social exclusion in our society by taking firm action. The Housing for All plan launched in September 2021 contains a specific commitment to a Fresh Start principle which will be of assistance to lone parents who may wish to apply for affordable housing or a local authority home loan.
Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority. Housing for All commits to working to eradicate homelessness by 2030 and provides detail on how the Government is approaching this as a priority. Homelessness is a complex issue, and causal factors and family circumstances vary considerably, as do the responses needed. Homelessness is also inter-related with the other areas of the housing system and with broader social and healthcare policy and service delivery. A new National Homeless Action Committee has been established to lead this whole-of-Government approach. The Committee, which had its first meeting in December, brings together all of the key Government departments, agencies and stakeholders involved. Homelessness prevention is a key priority issue for the Committee.
An important aspect of Housing for All is to support families and children experiencing homelessness. Family homelessness, including lone parent homelessness, has seen an appreciable reduction since 2019, but still remains a key challenge. The overriding objective is to provide homes to those households at risk of or experiencing homelessness through the various social housing supports available.
Many families have found themselves trapped in long term homelessness. Housing for All commits my Department to working with Local Authorities and NGOs to identify families experiencing long-term homelessness that have complex support needs. Those that do will be provided with enhanced tenancy sustainment supports to help them exit homelessness and maintain their homes. Additional supports are to be provided to families by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
Increasing the supply of housing, particularly new build social and affordable homes, is a key priority of this Government. Under Housing for All there are specific and costed plans to increase supply across all tenure types, including very significant commitments to social and affordable housing, with over 90,000 social homes, and 36,000 affordable and 18,000 cost rental homes to be delivered by 2030. €4 billion in capital is being invested annually on social and affordable housing. This is the biggest such programme in the history of the State.
The Government will continue to prioritise responses for all families, including lone parents, affected by housing insecurity and this is being reflected in both strategic policy and in specific actions.
