Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
414. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether local connections rules apply to those presenting for emergency accommodation; and whether this is an acceptable reason to refuse emergency accommodation. [39638/23]
View answer415. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage where a person who is fleeing domestic violence with a teenage son, making them unsuitable for domestic violence shelter, should present; and if they would qualify for emergency accommodation outside of their county. [39639/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 414 and 415 together.
My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual local authorities.
Under the Housing Act 1988 it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household.
Having regard to the statutory role of local authorities under the Housing Act 1988, all households are assessed, and provided with homeless services, in accordance with the provisions of the legislation. Any household assessed as homeless may be placed into temporary emergency accommodation without the requirement to undergo a social housing assessment, allowing local authorities the flexibility that is essential to respond quickly and effectively to the various needs of cases that may arise. Local authorities also assess applications for social housing supports, ensuring housing supports are available to households unable to meet their accommodation needs from their own resources.
In regards to domestic violence shelters, provision of accommodation and related services to support victims of domestic violence rests with my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. I understand that the delivery of these services is managed by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
