James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Deputy is referring to situations where children and their families find themselves living in emergency accommodation. The primary need is for a family home and responsibility for this lies with local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. I appreciate, however, that the Deputy is referring to the emotional and practical impact on parents and children when living in emergency accommodation. A major stress for families is the uncertainty of not knowing when they will have suitable accommodation. Families also face difficulties in establishing the ordinary routines around meals, play and bedtimes that underpin normal development and a happy family life. I am keenly aware of the impact on children where their parent is suffering from stress, depression or other emotional problems associated with the traumatic impact of living in emergency accommodation. Homelessness can only have a negative impact on a child's personal growth, security and education.

An essential consideration for school-going children is, where possible, to source emergency accommodation that allows regular school attendance. Research has shown that attending at school can provide a haven of normality for children where there is significant change or crisis occurring in the family. The main role of Tusla is to provide family support, the same way as it does for families in the general community, by providing guidance and parenting supports through its locally based services. After school programmes, children's activities and homework clubs are a very practical way of supporting children. Where Tusla identifies underlying problems, for example, mental health issues, it can refer the family to the appropriate services. Tusla has regular meetings with Focus Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and Dublin City Council to identify vulnerable families in order to support them as best it can. Any concerns that reach the threshold requiring a child protection and welfare response will be dealt with through the child protection social work teams in Tusla.

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