Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his proposals to continue to address the issue of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33360/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe continued rise in the numbers accessing emergency accommodation is a serious concern to myself and to the Government. I am working with the National Homelessness Action Committee to ensure that we address both prevention and exits from homelessness as a matter of urgency.
My Department is prioritising measures which focus on accelerating social and affordable housing supply through a combination of new build, targeted acquisitions and leasing.
Record state investment of €4.5bn is being made available this year to support the largest State home building programme ever, including 9,100 direct build social homes and 5,500 affordable homes.
There will be increased provision for social housing acquisitions for local authorities to acquire at least 1,500 social homes. This is focused on properties where a tenant in receipt of social housing supports and has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. Initial feedback from local authorities indicates that the target of 1,500 will be surpassed.
For households who are ineligible for social housing, I have introduced the Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ Scheme.
The Targeted Leasing initiative, which has been set up specifically to target those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, is set to deliver over 400 additional social homes for 2023.
Policy is being developed to help a tenant to buy their rented home on the basis of a landlord offering their tenant first right of refusal.
These measures are all aimed at preventing households from becoming homeless or to help people exit from homelessness in order to reduce the numbers of adults and children in emergency accommodation. As the implementation of these measures gathers pace we will see their impact on the current homelessness situation become apparent.
My Department will continue to work with local authorities to ensure sufficient funding is made available to support all those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
