Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 April 2024
123. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of former prisoners who have been referred to the housing first scheme since its establishment in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18196/24]
View answerThe Housing First Service is a model of homeless provision which centres on the provision of permanent housing as the first step in tackling homelessness for individuals with complex needs. The Housing First Service is administered by the Housing Agency who are an agency under the aegis of the Department Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The provision of a tenancy is accompanied by intensive wrap around housing and health supports delivered by a multidisciplinary team to help the individual sustain their tenancy.
The Criminal Justice Housing First Project commenced with effect from 1st October 2020 to deliver a commitment contained in the Housing First National Implementation Plan 2018-2021. The Criminal Justice Housing First project provides help to people with a criminal background (those leaving prison and/or subject to Probation Service Supervision) to obtain and sustain a tenancy upon release from prison. Funding for the Criminal Justice Housing First Project which is an Irish Prison Service/Probation Service joint initiative is administered by the Probation Service. It represents a positive and effective model of cross-agency co-operation.
The Irish Prison Service identifies suitable candidates and assists candidates in completing an expression of interest and confirmation of social housing eligibility. The service is delivered by Peter McVerry Trust on behalf of the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive, the Irish Prison Service and The Probation Service, the Health Service Executive and the four Dublin local authorities. The Criminal Justice Housing First Project has completed the pilot phase and is being extended to 31st May 2024 at which point it will be streamlined into the mainstream Housing First Service.
Based on figures provided by the Peter McVerry Trust, I can advise as of 29 January 2024, the Criminal Justice Housing First Project has received 117 expressions of interest from former prisoners, of these 69 have been accepted onto the project while 48 applicants did not meet the criteria for participation. Further 40 tenancies have been created under this project, 21 of these remain active.
