Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
325. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that amendments to the Housing Act 1988 will not narrow the definition of homelessness or restrict access to emergency homeless accommodation and other supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52129/23]
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. 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 potential amendments to the legislation are being considered by my Department. My Department is also engaging with stakeholders in relation to potential legislative amendments.
