Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
324. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to local authorities currently at capacity in terms of their emergency accommodation provision; the number of local authorities that he has engaged with that plan to expand their provision of emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49920/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority. The role of my Department is to ensure that a framework of policy, legislation and funding is provided to ensure that housing authorities are in a position to address homelessness at a local level. I can assure the Deputy that resources and funding are not an obstacle to the urgent efforts required. Budget 2023 reflects this commitment by allocating €215 million for homelessness services.
A homelessness consultative forum has been established in each region in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009. Decisions on the range of emergency accommodation services and funding required in each region are a matter for individual housing authorities in consultation with the Management Group of the relevant regional joint Homelessness Consultative Forum. It is a matter for the Management Group to bring forward proposals to my Department that meet the needs of homeless individuals in their administrative area and the funding requirements will be considered in this context. The exact amounts spent by housing authorities on homeless services, as well as the type and operation of homeless services including the number of places in accommodation are a matter for individual housing authorities in consultation with the Management Group of the relevant regional joint Homelessness Consultative Forum.
I am aware of the pressures currently being experienced in accessing Emergency Accommodation nationwide and local authorities are working to address these, with assistance from my Department where necessary. A range of measures have been introduced to tackle accommodation shortages and in terms of the provision of Emergency Accommodation. All local authorities continue to make every effort to ensure that assistance is provided to all homeless households. My Department continues to liaise with local authorities in this regard.
In response to the very severe pressure on emergency accommodation concerns raised by members of NHAC, IPOA and other stakeholders I have convened a meeting next week to allow for a roundtable discussion on Homelessness and retaining landlords in the sector.
