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

I acknowledge the number of children in emergency accommodation. I carry an awareness of that with me each day. I have visited several hubs not only in my constituency but in other places as well.

Deputy Rabbitte's question is important. It spurs me and provides motivation to have ongoing communication with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy. Some of the things happening relating to children in emergency accommodation are because of our conversations and working together.

In line with the Tusla business plan for 2018 the agency has established the position of the homeless liaison officer. The position facilitates planning, co-ordination and integration of services with other bodies and agencies which are working with families. Since taking up the position in June of 2018, the officer has been involved in several initiatives, including meeting with several children and young people service committee co-ordinators to get an overview of their current work with homeless children and families. Tusla is also establishing an internal forum of senior child protection, harm prevention partnership and family support staff. The forum will be led by the homeless liaison officer to ensure effective identification, referral, tracking and service response, all of which Deputy Rabbitte asked about.

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