Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023
441. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated cost of expanding the Housing First programme to the 1,639 families currently accessing emergency homeless accommodation, including the provision of wraparound services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24801/23]
View answerThe Housing First approach to addressing homelessness places direct access to housing first and foremost for vulnerable individuals using homeless services consistently or intermittently over long periods of time, and those unable or resistant to accessing homeless services and who may then become habitual rough sleepers. These individuals often have complex high support needs such as mental or physical health problems, addiction issues or dual diagnosis (the presence of mental ill health and a substance addiction).
The cost of increasing the targets for Housing First would be dependent on the numbers of individuals requiring these supports, the level of support required and where the individuals are located. In this regard, it is important to note that the majority of individuals and families in emergency accommodation do not require the level of supports provided by Housing First. In terms of the costs of funding such an expansion of the Housing First programme my Department does not hold that specific data.
