Homeless Accommodation Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019

Friday, 6 September 2019

Ceisteanna (1947, 1977)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

1947. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the communications that took place between his Department and the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive and an approved housing body (details supplied) regarding the provision of services at a location; if funding could have been provided to renovate this building under the capital assistance scheme; his views on whether it would have been appropriate to allocate funding under this scheme that would benefit a private company endeavouring to make a profit as was proposed in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35289/19]

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

1977. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the communications that have taken place between his Department and the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive and approved housing bodies or commercial companies regarding the provision of homeless services at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36098/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1947 and 1977 together.

My 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 for the provision of accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities.

While responsibility for the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities, the administration of homeless services is organised on a regional basis. Within each region, a Consultative Forum exists and it is the role of the Management Group of this forum to assess the need for homeless accommodation and related services in each region, in this case the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DHRE).

I can confirm that an Approved Housing Body applied, in consultation with the DHRE, to my Department for capital funding, under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), for the acquisition of the property referred to. This application was received by my Department in early July 2019. However, my Department was subsequently advised by the DRHE that the application for funding was being withdrawn, before an assessment of the application in question had been completed by my Department.