Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 June 2023
102. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the full estimated cost of implementing the Youth Homelessness Strategy over its three-year life course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28676/23]
View answer103. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated cost of the Supported Housing for Youth pilot project per young person, per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28677/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.
In line with commitments made in both the Programme for Government and Housing for All, a national Youth Homelessness Strategy was published in November 2022. The Strategy aims to help young people aged 18 - 24 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It sets out 27 key actions to prevent youth homelessness; improve the experiences of young people accessing emergency accommodation; and assist young people in exiting homelessness.
The achievement of the actions contained in this Strategy will involve a multitude of key stakeholders playing their part. A Steering Group was established in December 2022 to drive the delivery of these actions. A number of the actions, such as those which refer to policy reviews, would represent the normal work of relevant officials and provisions will be made within the existing resources of Government Departments and agencies, as appropriate. Other actions which will have cost implications must be determined in consultation with relevant stakeholders. It is intended that actions that are targeted in 2023 will be managed within budgets already agreed. Future actions that will require funding will be brought forward through the normal annual budgetary processes.
One of the main actions in the Strategy is to develop a pilot of a housing-led intervention to be called Supported Housing for Youth (SHY). This is aimed at those aged 18 - 24 who are experiencing homelessness and who require additional supports to maintain a tenancy. Young people who are at risk of homelessness and are identified as a vulnerable cohort within the Strategy, such as those leaving formal state care, will also be eligible for this programme. My Department is working closely both with members of the Steering Group and other key stakeholders on developing the pilot programme. Consultations are ongoing and expected to conclude in Q3 2023. Costings for SHY are not available as yet as the programme is in the design phase.
Investment in the measures contained in the Youth Homelessness Strategy, including the new Supported Housing for Youth Scheme, will contribute the achievement of Ireland's commitment under the Lisbon declaration to eradicate homelessness by 2030. Most importantly, these measures will also improve the lives of young people in the State and support them to achieve their full potential.
