Traveller Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 January 2022

Thursday, 20 January 2022

Questions (220)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

220. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the standards that were laid down to local authorities in relation to mobile homes or caravans funded by the Traveller accommodation unit in his Department as a response to Covid-19; the person or body that verified that all caravans or mobile homes bought for Travellers were of adequate standard; if all these units were new or whether local authorities could purchase second-hand ones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2778/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.

My Department has not issued any mandatory standards to local authorities regarding mobile homes or caravans and does not have a role in the day-to-day operational delivery of Traveller Accommodation.