I propose to take Questions Nos. 338 to 340, inclusive, 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 a local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services rests with individual housing authorities. My Department does not fund any homeless services directly but contributes to the overall expenditure incurred by housing authorities in the provision of these services.
The procurement and tendering processes carried out by each local authority and compliance with procurement rules in relation to same, are directly a matter for the relevant Chief Executive. Local authorities are required to ensure compliance with all statutory obligations in terms of the use of public funds. Details of the percentage or total value of emergency accommodation tendered by local authorities are a matter for the relevant local authorities.
Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 sets out an ethical framework for local government that imposes a statutory duty on all persons in the local government service to maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest. The main requirements are that councillors and employees avoid conflicts of interest. Councillors and certain employees must submit annual declarations of interests. As Minister, I may issue Codes of Conduct to further inform councillors and employees of the standards of behaviour that are expected. Each local authority appoints its own internal Ethics Registrar to oversee compliance and complaints of ethical breaches must be directed to the Ethics Registrar in the first instance.