Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
240. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authority housing has been used to provide isolation accommodation as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58495/21]
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 emergency accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities. This includes the provision of Covid-19 self-isolation facilities for the use of households in emergency accommodation.
The matter referred to is an operational issue for the relevant housing authorities. However, in the context of the response to Covid-19 my Department is in regular contact with local authorities to ensure the availability of sufficient bed capacity to facilitate the isolation of suspected cases that arise in homeless services. I understand this can include, where it is deemed appropriate based on local circumstances and need, the use of local authority properties temporarily set aside for this purpose.
