Ms AnnMarie Farrelly:

I have identified in our papers that the caravan loan scheme is not always adequate, particularly for large families, but it has met a need. The changes to the scheme are very welcome and have greatly benefited the families who got loans.

The scheme does not cover the more modular-type units and I know that has been asked for by individual families. Typically, to the best of my knowledge, these units cost between €120,000 and €130,000. Where looking at that type of upgrade on a halting site, it is best to rely on the upgrade capital investment programme operated by local authorities. I know Deputy Ó Cuív will probably say that is too slow, and it can be slow, but you simply cannot install what is effectively a house without the overall halting site being upgraded.

I think we are talking about two different things. The caravan loan scheme does perform a purpose. It has enjoyed good success and there has been demand but it does not meet every need. An alternative modular unit is not the same and could not be met through using the caravan loan scheme. There is a need for better accommodation on halting sites and, typically, that can be in the form of an independent service unit. That goes hand in hand with the likes of a mobile home or it could be more permanent-type accommodation so modular, trailers or whatever meets the needs of the families on the site. There is a need for everything. The caravan loan scheme is efficient, effective and quickly gets a replacement unit.

We found it worked well in Fingal. The demand is reducing insofar as when it was introduced, there was strong demand initially that has now reduced somewhat this year. Seven families in Fingal have benefited from it. I would like the scheme to stay because it is a solution for many families. Let us work with it. One-to-one communication happens between local authorities and the Department, but it also happens through the programme board and other consultative committees. We found a responsive approach from the Department to any of the problems we identified. The point is that it is more complex and there is more to do.

I will address the planning piece. In Fingal, for example, we have navigated the planning system for new accommodation. I became chief executive in 2019. Since then, I think in 2020, we identified a site, secured planning and used the emergency procurement powers during Covid to deliver a group housing scheme of seven. The Office of the Planning Regulator has published a very useful guide to deal with planning in this area. The approach we take, and again it does not work for everything, is that during the county development plan process, we designate certain sites for Traveller accommodation. That then assists the Part 8 process, when we ultimately try to develop a scheme. That said, as chief executive I am the first to admit that the process of delivering new accommodation is still too slow. Some of that process is eaten up with probably as much as two to three years' consultation in understanding the type, location and approach to the accommodation delivery we agree with the families to be accommodated. Every month lost is a month late in delivering the accommodation. It is welcome that there is a suggestion and recommendation that there be a standardised approach to Traveller-specific accommodation, which we could roll out and maybe replicate across local authority areas.

On the elected members, I will give them credit for the support they often give us in getting through planning and dealing with the fears of local communities, which are often unwarranted and caused by misinformation. Where elected members work with us, it helps us to bridge that gap. We have more work to do, however. I want to make sure everybody understands that is what I am saying. We are trying to learn from good practice and make sure it is spread throughout the country.

During Covid we learned very well that on-site supports are crucial. Local authorities were on site during the pandemic, out of necessity, to protect welfare and health and safety. When we could we brought on site, for example, play equipment, such as footballs, basketballs and that type of thing, sometimes through the work of our sports officers, librarians and community workers, who came up with packages that could be brought on site. We have tried to learn from the experience of that and the benefits it brought to individual families. I will ask Ms Carr to come in on the particular education programme that is being rolled out in County Tipperary. There is no doubt that on-site supports work better and have a better impact. Help with homework and other types of education supports are crucial.

Deputy Ó Cuív asked some questions about Galway city specifically but what he outlined is not unique. I have temporary sites in Fingal that have been occupied for many years. We are on maybe our third or fourth upgrade programme on those sites so they have a sense of permanency. As a society, we need to get better and quicker at dealing with the accommodation issues. That is the benefit of having a programme board and all the stakeholders at the table. We will be stronger together if we can move and get these accommodation plans delivered.