The Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual local authorities.
Under the Housing Act 1988 it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the Housing Act 1988, provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household. Any household assessed as homeless may be placed into temporary emergency accommodation without the requirement to undergo a social housing assessment, allowing local authorities the flexibility that is essential to respond quickly and effectively to the various needs of cases that may arise.
I wrote to all Chief Executives on 9 December 2020 to ensure that the most vulnerable on the streets do not end up without shelter due to not being from the area and asking local authorities to ensure that the local connection requirement in a social housing assessment context is not operating as a barrier in the provision of emergency accommodation.
My Department is aware of the pressures being experienced in Dublin and across the country in the current climate and is liaising with local authorities to assist them in providing solutions to support those who may find themselves homeless.
