Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
642. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review by his Department of the operation of the caravan loan scheme pilot; the timeline for the publication of the final review report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36670/23]
View answerThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The Act provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas
My Department completed a review of the operation of the Nationwide Pilot Caravan Loan Scheme with input from local authorities and other stakeholders. The purpose of the review was to inform the continued operation of the pilot scheme and is not intended for publication. A Circular on the ‘Continuation of Nationwide Pilot Caravan Loan Scheme’ issued on the 4 July 2023.
