Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
350. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm whether his officials are working on legislation relating to the statutory definition of homelessness or other aspects of homeless in legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42155/23]
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 a local level. Section 2 of the Housing Act 1988 outlines how local authorities can form an opinion on whether or not an individual/household shall be regarded as homeless, while section 10 outlines the actions that a local authority may take regarding the accommodation of those regarded as homeless.
My Department, along with nominated representatives of the local authority regional homelessness leads, undertook a review of sections 2 and 10 of the Housing Act 1988 in recognition of the significant changes in homelessness since the drafting of the Housing Act 1988 and to enable local authorities and homeless services to better address homelessness.
The review is now complete and a policy position is being developed.
