Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree that this is a great concern for all of us and it is a priority for me as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, both in terms of the specific aspect the Deputy raises in respect of adult homeless accommodation and the wider issues I referred to in reply to an earlier question. Recent reports of a number of families having to avail of emergency accommodation in facilities that are intended for use by homeless adults only are very distressing. I have been informed by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government that the placement of families into adult emergency accommodation in Dublin is a last resort. It only occurs late at night when no other accommodation can be sourced in the city through family accommodation or commercial hotels.

Such a response is clearly undesirable, but it is sometimes the only option available to ensure a family does not sleep rough. In these circumstances, families are accommodated in secure and defined areas that are separate from other adult service users. I understand that Dublin City Council has confirmed that fewer than ten incidences of such placements occurred recently. Each family was subsequently contacted the next morning by a member of the family homeless action team which worked with the housing authorities to provide more suitable alternative accommodation. Still, it should not have to occur, and I am very cognisant that we must work to reduce the occasions on which this happens. I cannot imagine what it might have been like if my three brothers, one sister and I had to do something like that.

With regard to the actions I have taken on the welfare of homeless children, as the Deputy will be aware, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, provides family support and works with relevant services to maximise the supports available to children and families who are homeless. Tusla and the Dublin Region Homeless Executive are shortly to sign off on a joint protocol which includes guidance on working with families where child protection concerns arise within emergency homeless accommodation.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

I anticipate that the protocol will be in full operation this month. Tusla has also appointed a homelessness liaison officer to lead on its engagement with homeless services, particularly on child protection issues.

Issues related to homelessness are a key priority for the Government. In conjunction with my Cabinet colleagues, I am seeking to define a set of measures to better support children with their families in emergency homeless accommodation.

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