Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 April 2016
456. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to make an additional allocation for homeless services in the four midland counties, given only 1.5% of the total budget for the homeless goes to the region and the increased demands on services. [7307/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides current funding, under Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988, to housing authorities towards the cost of providing accommodation and related services for homeless persons. Housing authorities also provide funding from their own resources and under Section 10 housing authorities must provide at least 10% of the cost of any service they are funding. Funding in respect of homeless services is made available on a regional basis. Westmeath County Council is the lead authority for the Midlands Region, which also encompasses Laois, Longford and Offaly.
In 2015, a formal allocation of €794,972 issued from my Department in respect of the Midlands Region. A further payment of €11,023 issued to the Midlands Region towards the end of 2015, in respect of previously unforeseen costs associated with the utilisation of emergency accommodation, bringing total Exchequer funding to the region to €805,995. While the 2016 allocations are currently being finalised, the funding needs of the various regions are kept under review on an on-going basis, taking account of known and emerging costs of services, and my Department has provided reassurance to Westmeath County Council in this regard.
