Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 September 2021
261. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the finding in the IHREC and ESRI Monitoring Adequate Housing in Ireland report that lone parents are significantly disadvantaged in the housing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44599/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you will be aware, local authorities are independent in the exercise of their functions and, as such, applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended. Lone parents are entitled to access all of the housing support delivery mechanisms on an equal basis with all other citizens.
As the Minister responsible for housing, I, and my Department, have ongoing and extensive engagement with all local authorities across all delivery streams to ensure maximum delivery of homes for those who need them. I meet regularly with local authorities in relation to the advancement of social housing and I know that they are deeply committed to ensuring that housing is provided to all eligible applicants as speedily as possible and that the support needs of applicants are appropriately assessed. In addition to these meetings, targeted sessions have been held between my Department and local authority senior management to specifically discuss all aspects of social housing delivery.
The Government is determined to ensure that housing policy must address the needs of those who experience social exclusion in our society by taking firm action to prevent entry into homelessness in the first instance and to help those experiencing homelessness to exit into secure and sustained tenancies. Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland which was launched earlier this month expresses particular concern about family homelessness, especially it's effects on children, and commits to enhancing existing supports and early intervention methods for such families through multiagency coordination. I am confident these additional supports will be of great benefit to all families including lone parents.
