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

I had the opportunity to speak to a number of families in the hubs. They confirmed to me they were much happier in the hub than they were in the hotel because of the shared play facilities and the cooking facilities. They could cook a meal and have it on their own without having to have their children in their arms, which they had not been able to do previously but they do so now because of the supports in place. The hub is a better place than a hotel. I repeat that it is a first response, a temporary response and an emergency response.

Some of the people who were meant to be going into the hub at the Crosscare facility were able to find a pathway to more permanent housing before they even went into the hub. If we consider the commitment that was given June to those families who were homeless at the end of May and in emergency accommodation, one third were to go into social housing, one third were to go into HAP support tenancies, and one third were to go into hubs. Each of those families was met and given a letter with that commitment.

I reiterate that the hub is the first response, not the last. It is not meant to be a long-term response. It is better than hotels. I am very satisfied with the arrangements that are in place for the management and operation of these hubs. I am happy to continue to discuss this with the Deputy if he feels there is something missing in respect of the inspection regime. I am happy with what I have seen in terms of the engagement with the care workers, workers from Tusla, local authorities and representatives from the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive in terms of how they are trying to make this an appropriate, safe and strong space for families. If the Deputy has other concerns of which I need to be aware, perhaps he could share them with me.

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