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 in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with the housing authorities. Decisions on the range of accommodation and support services to be provided are a matter for the individual housing authorities in consultation with the statutory Management Group of the relevant regional joint Homelessness Consultative Forum.
Rebuilding Ireland, the Government’s Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness, includes a specific commitment to deliver a dedicated facility for pregnant women experiencing homelessness in the Dublin Region. A facility to cater for pregnant women and their babies is now operational.