Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2018
576. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will respond directly to an organisation (details supplied) that has corresponded with him regarding a petition by it; the steps he has taken to address its concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51721/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraResolving homelessness is a top priority for the Government. Pillar 1 of Rebuilding Ireland, the Government's Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness, sets out a range of measures to support those individuals and families experiencing homelessness. In order, to minimise the use of hotels and B&Bs for emergency accommodation, my Department is working with the local authorities to provide family hubs in a number of locations. Family hubs provide more appropriate emergency accommodation for families and children, with cooking facilities, recreation areas and on-site supports provided to the families. To date, 24 hubs have been opened, providing accommodation for over 550 families.
All family hubs are operated in accordance with service level agreements/contracts between the local authorities and service providers, which include targets for families to be moved to an independent tenancy within a six-month period. The HAP Placefinders service, which was made available in all local authorities earlier this year, provides support to families experiencing homelessness by assisting them to identify and secure a HAP-supported tenancy in the private rented market.
In relation to the information supplied by the Deputy, I will respond to any correspondence to my office on this matter.
