Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2018
257. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of children who have been in emergency homeless accommodation by hubs or hotels and guest houses for fewer than three to six, six to nine, nine to 12, 12 to 24 and for 24 months plus, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37912/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities.
Data in the format sought is not routinely collected by my Department. However, earlier this year, the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) provided me with a report which it had produced in relation to families who experienced homelessness in the Dublin region in 2016 and 2017. While this report relates to families rather than solely children, it showed that 1,087 families were accessing emergency accommodation in Dublin on 31 December 2017. Of these, 480 (44%) had been in emergency accommodation for 6 months or less, 277 (25%) for 6-12 months, 147 (14%) for 12-18 months, 101 (9%) for 18-24 months and 82 (8%) for more than 24 months.
A record total of 4,729 adults, along with their associated dependents, exited homelessness into an independent tenancy during 2017. My Department is working closely with the local authorities to increase further the numbers of exits. The welfare of families and children is an absolute priority for my Department and I work closely with the Minister of Children and Youth Affairs to ensure that robust child protection measures, inspection arrangements and health supports are in place in emergency accommodation for families.
