Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 9 July 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs

Impact of Homelessness on Children: Discussion (Resumed)

Mr. David Kelly:

The inter-agency group has been examining the recommendations made in the Ombudsman's report. It is a very important report, given the Department's reliance on hubs. I am concerned about some of the issues raised in terms of their impact on children. On the inter-agency group, one of the key aspects is ensuring we have linkages between homeless services and other services in the community. In Dublin, for example, where the majority of the hubs are located, the family action team ensures the children and families living in the hubs are linked with health services. If children need mental health supports, they will be linked with health services. The other issue we are examining is that of the supports provided in hubs. We continue to examine it closely with Tusla and the local authorities, in particular.