Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. One of the key commitments contained in Rebuilding Ireland is that, by the middle of 2017, hotels will only be used as emergency accommodation in limited circumstances. My Department, housing authorities and approved housing bodies have been working hard to deliver on this very ambitious commitment. As Deputies will be aware, statutory responsibility for the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities, which, at present, are advancing a range of housing solutions that will accommodate homeless families. These solutions include supported family hubs, which offer families a safer and more secure living environment.

Tackling homelessness is clearly the key priority for the Government at present. It is intended that the long-term housing needs of homeless households, including those families currently accommodated in hotels, will be met through a range of housing supports, including the housing assistance payment, HAP, scheme and general social housing allocations. Significant outputs are being achieved in this regard. Housing authorities achieved over 3,000 sustainable exits from homeless accommodation into independent tenancies during 2016, a record level of delivery in a calendar year. It should be noted that it is the responsibility of the relevant local authority to comply with all legislative requirements in respect of building works, including the provision of accommodation for homeless families and individuals and related services.

Building regulations apply to a wide range of works to existing buildings, including material alterations and changes of use. A building control authority may, if it considers it reasonable, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, grant a dispensation from or a relaxation of any requirement of building regulations in respect of buildings or works which are situated in the authorities functional area. A fire certificate is required for certain works to existing buildings to which the requirements of Part B of the building regulations apply. This triggers the provisions set out in the building control amendment regulations of 2014 for certificates of compliance and an assigned certifier.

In relation to the Deputy’s specific query regarding families being accommodated in a certain hotel in Dublin, the position is that Dublin City Council has contingency beds in place, which are part of a harm-reduction measure to ensure that families do not sleep rough. The hotel, which is currently undergoing transformation, forms part of the response to meet the growing demand of families presenting late at night and who are unable to source accommodation. Ten rooms at this property have been identified as suitable to accommodate families in this emergency situation only. To enable the use of the rooms as contingency beds, Dublin City Council and an independent fire consultant put in place all necessary precautions and requirements to ensure the safety of any families placed there, including the appointment of two fire marshals who are on duty while families are there overnight. Children have not been put in harm's way.

Dublin City Council met Dublin's fire services yesterday, 21 June 2017, and will be working with them over the next few days to implement further precautions to enable the facility to continue to be utilised for contingency purposes following the completion of works on the additional precautions. The priority is always the safety and welfare of families placed in all emergency accommodation. I assure the House that when advancing accommodation for homeless families, local authorities are required to adhere to current building standards, and there are strict quality controls in place to ensure that all facilities are fully regulated with regard to fire and disabled access requirements. There are also space standards in place that have been developed with my Department. Accordingly, support spaces such as dining and play areas are designed in accordance with the number of occupants who will reside at the premises.

Returning briefly to the premises named by the Deputy, an order was not put in place to close those premises last night and, thankfully, no families had to be accommodated there last night.

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