Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2023
137. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his targets for 2024 in respect of emergency accommodation figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55838/23]
View answerSupporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority. Critical to supporting households to exit homelessness is increasing the supply of housing. Record State investment of over €5bn is available to support capital investment in housing in 2024. This funding will support the delivery of 9,300 new build social homes and 6,400 affordable homes.
Budget 2024 allocated funding of over €242 million for the delivery of homelessness services. This funding will support the provision of emergency accommodation and related supports, including increased prevention activity. Local authorities and their service delivery partners will work closely with all households in emergency accommodation to support them to secure an exit to a tenancy. I have Government approval to continue the successful Tenant-in-Situ acquisition programme, which I introduced in March this year, into 2024. These acquisitions are focussed on acquiring properties where a social housing tenant has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property.
I continue to work with the National Homeless Action Committee to ensure that there is a continued focus across Government to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness and to ensure that we address both prevention of entries into homelessness and exits from homelessness as a matter of urgency.
