Mr. Eamonn Waters:

Travellers are over-represented in the emergency accommodation facilities provided for people experiencing homelessness. We know this as the Department with responsibility for policy on homelessness and Traveller accommodation. The committee will be aware of research published by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC, and the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, which noted that one in nine people who are homeless identified as Travellers. Homelessness among Travellers is higher than it is across the population of Ireland more generally. Travellers are more at risk of homelessness. This is reflected in research, and in our own work directly.

We also know that there is a relationship between social disadvantage and homelessness. Unfortunately, therefore, the over-representation of Travellers among the homeless population is not a surprise. However, it is not something that should be accepted. With local authorities, which have statutory responsibilities for the provision of homeless accommodation and tackling homelessness, we are working to address this. Some progress has been made in reducing homelessness generally across all groups. Looking at family homelessness, in July 2018, there were 1,778 families in emergency accommodation, which was the highest recorded to date. This has been reduced to 930 families based on the most recent information, from July 2021, and represents a fall of 48%. Significant challenges remain but these are being addressed.

Housing for All, the Government’s housing plan for the period until 2030, was launched earlier this month. It is a multi-annual, multibillion euro plan which will improve Ireland’s housing system and deliver more homes of all types for people with different housing needs. It contains a comprehensive strategic approach to tackling homelessness. There is a commitment to eradicate homelessness by 2030. Housing for All confirms a housing-led approach to tackling homelessness for all groups and includes specific responses for members of the Traveller community. When we use the term "housing-led", we mean that the most effective way to address homelessness is to provide more accommodation. Under Housing for All, there are specific and costed plans to increase supply across all tenure types, including very significant commitments to social and affordable housing, with over 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable homes and 18,000 cost-rental homes to be delivered by 2030. There are also specific commitments to fund the ambition of local authority TAPs and expand the Traveller-specific accommodation pipeline. The capital amount being invested annually in social and affordable housing is €4 billion. This is the biggest such programme in the history of the State. Housing for All includes 18 distinct actions tailored to eliminate homelessness.

The Housing First programme is central in responding to the needs of long-term homeless single people who have complex support needs. There are also Travellers who fall within this category. This programme is a partnership between the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Health, the HSE, local authorities and voluntary housing bodies. Wrap-around supports are provided along with a tenancy. Under Housing First, an additional 1,200 supported tenancies will be created for homeless individuals over the next five years. This is in addition to more than 750 tenancies which will have been created under the programme by the end of this year.

Many families, some of whom are Travellers, have found themselves trapped in a long-term cycle of homelessness. Housing for All commits the Department to working with local authorities and NGOs to identify families experiencing long-term homelessness who have complex support needs. Those who do will be provided with enhanced tenancy supports to help them exit homelessness and maintain their homes. The Housing for All plan specifically recognises the importance of addressing Traveller accommodation needs as a priority and commits to working with local authorities to improve the quantity and quality of Traveller-specific accommodation.

We welcome the opportunity to appear before the committee today. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Deputy Ó Cuív.