Ms Éimear Fisher:

The Deputy might clarify what type of information or service he means. Children who are homeless are counted by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government but, in addition, other services are provided by Tusla. Money is provided, for example, to Focus Ireland to fund a project worker who provides services through Focus Ireland, and to family resource centres, FRCs, to provide services such as rooms suitable for children to do homework, washing and laundry facilities and so on. Children do not live in those facilities, however, but instead live in accommodation counted by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. Other supports wrap around the supports of that Department. There are FRCs in Mulhuddart, Ballyfermot and Ballymun, with homeless services where people can receive food, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, family support and other support services.

It is proposed to expand this further in 2019 with a proposal to recruit five project workers to work in family resource centres with homeless families, again wrapping around the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. The Department has worked very closely with that Department in the extension of the capital assistance scheme for young people leaving State care. There is a view that some people who are leaving State care may be susceptible to homelessness. Where that happens, there is a strong element of support and engagement with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government to ensure the capital assistance scheme is open to local authorities and approved housing bodies. Between ten and 20 young people have been accommodated under that scheme and more properties are "sale agreed".