Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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576. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will respond directly to an organisation (details supplied) that has corresponded with him regarding a petition by it; the steps he has taken to address its concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51721/18]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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Resolving homelessness is a top priority for the Government.  Pillar 1 of Rebuilding Ireland, the Government's Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness, sets out a range of measures to support those individuals and families experiencing homelessness.  In order, to minimise the use of hotels and B&Bs for emergency accommodation, my Department is working with the local authorities to provide family hubs in a number of locations.  Family hubs provide more appropriate emergency accommodation for families and children, with cooking facilities, recreation areas and on-site supports provided to the families.   To date, 24 hubs have been opened, providing accommodation for over 550 families. 

All family hubs are operated in accordance with service level agreements/contracts between the local authorities and service providers, which include targets for families to be moved to an independent tenancy within a six-month period. The HAP Placefinders service, which was made available in all local authorities earlier this year, provides support to families experiencing homelessness by assisting them to identify and secure a HAP-supported tenancy in the private rented market. 

 In relation to the information supplied by the Deputy, I will respond to any correspondence to my office on this matter.