Thomas Gould
Question:263. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a building (details supplied) is homeless accommodation or a domestic violence shelter. [10545/22]
View answerEmergency Accommodation
Questions (263)
Written answers
My 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 accommodation and associated services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.
The oversight of all homeless accommodation services is a matter for individual housing authorities, in this case Cork City Council. Based on certified expenditure reports submitted to my Department by the South West Region, the building referred to in the question is a homeless accommodation facility.
Defective Building Materials
Questions (264)
Thomas Pringle
Question:264. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a commitment will be given to provide funding for a number of facilitators to assist applicants to the defective concrete block scheme to navigate the complex digital application form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10553/22]
View answerWritten answers
I brought a Memorandum to Government on an enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme on 30 November 2021. It included an unprecedented suite of improvements to the current scheme. Government approved the enhanced scheme which it is estimated will cost approximately €2.2Bn. I aim to bring the required primary legislation to give effect to the enhanced scheme before the Oireachtas as soon as possible with Spring 2022 being the indicative target timeline.
Full details in relation to the changes announced are available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e365e-minister-obrien-announces-enhancements-to-the-defective-concrete-block-scheme/
The relevant local authorities have responsibility for the administration of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme and queries from applicants or requests for assistance in making an application should be addressed to the relevant local authority. The issue of assistance for applicants with the application process arose during the working group discussions last summer. Both local authorities confirmed that such support is available from staff employed within its network of municipal district offices and applicants should therefore make contact with their respective local authority if they are having any difficulties with the application process.