Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
657. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he has implemented second chance principles for those in recovery from addiction to access social housing. [14583/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is open to anyone to apply for social housing support at any stage, subject to meeting the eligibility and need criteria at the point at which they apply.
Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended. It is the responsibility of the local authority, while taking a compassionate approach, to make a decision in each individual case with regard to qualification for social housing support, the most appropriate form of any such support, and the allocation of that support.
Housing First recognises that a stable home provides the basis for recovery in other areas. With Housing First, the priority is to support a person who has experienced homelessness into permanent housing as quickly as possible, without any preconditions around addiction or mental health treatment. Then, intensive work continues on these issues once they are housed. Housing First is a key element of Government homelessness policy.
