Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On the Housing First national implementation plan, there was mention of when a service user has a choice as to whether they are willing to engage with the Housing First plan and the services that are offered to them. I see in inner-city communities that what very often happens is that the person disregards any work they are doing when they get a flat in a particular flat complex. This can lead to challenges for the local community but also for the individual themselves. They are very often quite vulnerable. They end up being targeted by unpleasant types of people. It causes a difficulty. For me, Housing First needs to be better funded. There needs to be a more comprehensive range of wraparound services. This is because clearly people are being left to their own devices after a certain time. It is not good for them and is not good for the particular community in which they live. Would witnesses agree that an increase in funding for Housing First is needed? Any witness may reply. I know Mr. Allen from the City Council.