Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2016
760. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the enormous stress that families housed in hotel rooms are experiencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5734/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware that living in emergency accommodation in hotels in the medium to long-term causes stress for family life, and is particularly inappropriate for children. Local authorities, the HSE and Tusla (the Child and Family Agency) try to practically support families in emergency accommodation as much as possible so as to minimise any detrimental effects. In addition, 25 additional staff have recently been added to Focus Ireland’s Family Homeless Action Team.
Because of the lack of social housing available and a tightening rental market, move-on options for families in hotels are limited until a reasonable supply of accommodation becomes available under the Social Housing Strategy 2014-2020. In order to help address this, in September 2015 Government specifically approved the initiation of a rapid-delivery housing programme for 500 units for homeless families across Dublin. This programme of rapid-delivery housing provision is being implemented to provide appropriate family accommodation for homeless families currently residing in hotels. The units will provide temporary accommodation in the first instance, offering a greater level of stability, while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured. Furthermore, such arrangements will facilitate more coordinated needs assessment and support planning for access to all required services, including welfare, health and housing services.
