Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 October 2013
157. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that an adequate proportion of National Asset Management Agency units is ring-fenced for persons moving out of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44933/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, the Housing Agency and NAMA continue to work together with housing authorities and approved housing bodies towards identifying and bringing units into social housing use. Units identified through this process are considered by housing authorities for the full range of possible social housing uses, including homeless appropriate accommodation. I am satisfied that when units appropriate to addressing homelessness are identified this process allows housing authorities to bring them into use for those purposes.
Earlier in 2013 I published the Government's 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. I am pleased to confirm that my Department's 2014 national homelessness budget will be maintained at the same level as 2013 - €45 million – to ensure continued progress towards the achievement of the 2016 target of ending long-term homelessness. It continues to be my Department's objective to maximise the delivery of social housing using all resources available.
