Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
166. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he agrees that it would be unconscionable for there to be any form of taxpayer assistance or bailout of an organisation (details supplied), in view of the fact that it has over €180 million in property assets, as against tax liabilities of €14 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50439/23]
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 local authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services rests with individual local authorities.
The named organisation informed the DHRE, and my Department of potential financial issues in the organisation in July 2023. The organisation also advised that it had separately informed the Charities Regulator and the AHB Regulator (AHBRA).
My Department and the DRHE formed an Oversight Group, chaired by an independent governance and legal expert, in respect of reviewing the financial and governance issues raised and to advise me appropriately. The DRHE appointed PwC to undertake a review and preliminary and draft final reports have been provided to the Oversight Group.
Following the Oversight Group's review of the recommendations made by PWC, I have recently received a letter from the Chair of the Group. The contents of the Chair's letter are currently being considered. The immediate priority is the continuity of services to persons experiencing homelessness.
