Traveller Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017

Tuesday, 10 October 2017

Ceisteanna (708)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

708. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the oversight his Department has over Traveller engagement officer positions it funds; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that part of the Traveller engagement officer role includes a requirement to visit tenants in social housing and Traveller-specific accommodation but that no visits have taken place in Cork City Council's area to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42519/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes, TAPs, in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.

In addition to capital funding supports, my Department provides current funding to local authorities towards the cost of accommodation-related supports.  This includes 90% of the salary costs of social workers employed by local authorities who work with Travellers in relation to accommodation issues.  I have no role in relation to the day-to-day work and functions undertaken by the social workers, which is a matter for the relevant housing authorities, in this case Cork City Council.