Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 May 2023
121. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will legally mandate local authorities to ensure that the needs of every homeless child should be assessed, including, but not limited to, factors such as access to their school, medical and therapeutical needs, and also supporting family relationships and wider social support. [23370/23]
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 the local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities, with additional supports, including the provision of family supports, provided to families by Tusla.
Reducing and preventing homelessness remains a top priority for the Government. ‘Housing for All’ recognises the particular challenges of homelessness for children and their families and sets out actions to support children and their families to exit homelessness. ‘Housing for All’ also recognises the criticality of inter-agency supports to address the complex combination of social, health and economic needs of those experiencing homelessness and at risk of homelessness, in addition to their specific housing need.
Undoubtedly, every child experiencing homelessness needs and deserves protection, safety and security. Local authorities, in conjunction with their partners in the NGO sector, are already implementing measures to preserve the development, welfare, and protection of children within homeless families. Families are accommodated in either Family Hubs or in appropriate hotel or other commercial accommodation and are not accommodated in congregated settings. The approach to supporting families and children experiencing homelessness involves a multi-agency approach and a number of other Departments and Agencies are responsible for the delivery of supports to these families. This includes the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Tusla, the HSE, and the Department of Education.
The provision of services to families and children, in particular the welfare and protection of children and the effective functioning of families who may be experiencing homelessness is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
The continuing increase in the numbers accessing emergency accommodation, including families, is a serious concern for me and for the Government. We are doing everything in our power to tackle this problem, both by increasing housing supply and investing in homelessness prevention.
My Department will continue to work with local authorities to ensure sufficient funding is made available to support all those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
