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Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 May 2018

Tuesday, 8 May 2018

Ceisteanna (41)

James Browne

Ceist:

41. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the way in which his Department provides social housing in line with A Vision for Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19625/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Policy responsibility for A Vision for Change, the strategy which sets out the direction for Mental Health Services in Ireland and which is being implemented by the HSE in conjunction with other agencies, is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Health.

The current National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability and associated National Implementation Framework, were jointly published by my Department and the Department of Health. They set out the Government’s broad framework for the delivery of housing for people with disabilities through mainstream housing policy and were developed as part of a coherent framework, in conjunction with the Government’s mental health policy, A Vision for Change, and the Congregated Settings Report. The partnership approach adopted under the Strategy recognises that the provision of suitable housing is only one element in supporting people with disabilities to live fully inclusive lives.

Implementation of identified actions in the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability is being driven primarily by the Housing Agency, through a dedicated sub-group comprising representatives from my Department, the HSE, Department of Health, local authorities, the Irish Council for Social Housing and various disability representative organisations. Through that forum, a Steering Group was established last year to progress actions in relation to meeting the housing needs of people with a mental health disability. Following completion of a final review of a pilot project trialling a tenancy support officer for a number of individuals transitioning from HSE owned mental health facilities in Laois/Offaly, in January this year my Department approved a funding contribution of 50% towards tenancy sustainment costs to support the national roll-out of this project over the three year period 2018 to 2020. The remaining 50% of costs are being funded by the HSE, with the approval of the Department of Health. My Department will continue to work with the HSE on housing needs for individuals experiencing mental health issues and for those who require additional housing supports.

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