Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2009
467 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of financial assistance provided to the homeless agency on an annual basis and the number of staff currently employed by the homeless agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27403/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Homeless Agency is administered under the aegis of Dublin City Council. While the staffing of the Agency is therefore a matter for the Council, I understand that it currently has a complement of 14 staff. My Department is responsible for funding for accommodation and related services for homeless persons. In 2008 it provided a total of €53.235 million nationally for this purpose, including €940,894 to Dublin City Council towards the operational costs of the Homeless Agency.
468 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the functions and responsibilities of the affordable homes partnership and the way in which these differ from the functions of local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27404/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe functions of the Affordable Homes Partnership are specified in the Affordable Homes Partnership (Establishment) Order, 2005, as amended by the Affordable Homes Partnership (Establishment) Order, 2005 (Amendment) Order, 2007. By virtue of a provision in the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) (Confirmation of Orders) Act, 2008, this order has statutory effect as if it were an Act of the Oireachtas.
The functions of the Partnership are to provide certain services forward on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and relevant local authorities in particular, the partnership has been tasked to co-ordinate and promote the delivery of affordable housing in the Greater Dublin Area and to provide certain services in relation to affordable housing nationally. Further information relating to the Partnership is available on its website, www.ahp.ie.
