Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2006
24 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of families housed in emergency bed and breakfast accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9512/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Local authorities are responsible for meeting the accommodation needs of homeless persons. It is consequently a matter for individual authorities to determine the level of bed and breakfast accommodation to be provided, having regard to the need for such accommodation within their areas. My Department does not have detailed information on the number of families housed in bed and breakfast accommodation by local authorities.
The further development and reorientation of services for families will be taken forward in the context of a revised Government strategy on homelessness, to be prepared by my Department having regard to the Independent Review of the Implementation of Homeless Strategies, which I published recently.
The need for particular focus on the development of long-term accommodation, as opposed to emergency accommodation such as bed and breakfast, is one of the main recommendations of the independent review. While the use of bed and breakfast accommodation is seen, at present, as essential for the provision of emergency accommodation, it is recognised that it is not suitable as a long-term solution to homeless accommodation and that its use should be phased out, particularly for families. I am concerned to ensure that high standards prevail in the operation of the sector and that it is used only as a short-term response to homelessness.
At the request of my Department, Dublin City Council, which is a major user of bed and breakfast accommodation, and the Homeless Agency are conducting an ongoing review of this type of accommodation. This has led to increased monitoring, improved co-ordination and better management practice within the Dublin area. The research report Planning for Children published recently by the Homeless Agency, recommended the establishment and monitoring by the agency of length of stay targets for children in such accommodation.
