Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
633. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role he and his Department have in providing transport for children who are in emergency accommodation, including hotels; the arrangements being put in place; when those services will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30876/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July this year Government approved the publication of the "Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness". Within the Action Plan there is an objective to support homeless families with child dependents. One of the action items under that objective is provide access to free public transport for family travel and for school journeys.
The Action Plan assigns 'ownership' of that action across a number of agencies and Departments - Túsla, the HSE, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.
In line with the approved actions listed in the Action Plan it is those assigned agencies and Departments who are providing the lead role in fulfilling Government's objective to support homeless families with child dependents, including in relation to the issue of transport. Neither I nor my Department have a direct role in this action.
