Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
695. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has undertaken a study to determine the mental and physical health impacts of extended periods of stay in emergency accommodation. [27405/23]
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 and the provision of health services is a matter for the HSE and the Department of Health.
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. In line with Action 3.18 in ‘Housing for All’, work is underway to identify families experiencing long-term homelessness that have complex support needs to provide them with enhanced tenancy sustainment supports to help them exit homelessness and maintain their homes.
The continuing increase in the numbers accessing emergency accommodation 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 is fully committed to supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The budget for 2023 makes provision for €215m in funding for homeless services, an increase from €194m in 2022. The extra funding for Homelessness reflects the priority that this Government is giving to Homelessness. This funding will ensure that the local authorities can provide the best possible supports to those individuals and families experiencing homelessness, until they can be assisted to secure a more sustainable housing solution to their needs.
The specific data sought in the Question is not available in my Department.
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.
