Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
83. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for homeless services across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33647/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Priority Question 57 on today’s Order Paper. I recently published a Homelessness Policy Statement in which I outlined the Government's aim to end long-term homelessness by the end of 2016. The statement emphasises a housing-led approach which is about accessing permanent housing as the primary response to all forms of homelessness. The availability and supply of secure, affordable and adequate housing is essential in ensuring sustainable tenancies and ending long-term homelessness. When I published the statement I announced a set of indicators which will be used to demonstrate the dynamics of homelessness as it is addressed. These indicators will give a clearer picture of homelessness in Ireland and, in quantifying its ongoing extent, will support the bringing forward of realistic and practical solutions.
Expenditure on homeless accommodation and related services of approximately €50 million will be funded by my Department and housing authorities in 2013. While it is clear that a proportion of funding must be used to provide sufficient bed capacity to accommodate those in need of emergency accommodation, it is equally important that resources are channelled to deliver more permanent responses in a more focused and strategic way. Arrangements are being put in place to provide for the delegation of homelessness funding to the lead housing authority in each of the 9 regions in 2013. These arrangements will seek to ensure that the measures being pursued by housing authorities reflect the housing-led approach, that actions are in place towards achieving the target of ending long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 and that evidence to support progress will be presented through the reports on the indicators.
