Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Gould for articulating the issues so well and for making some very good proposals.

Supporting individuals and families facing housing challenges is a key Government priority. Housing for All commits to a housing-led approach as a primary response to all forms of homelessness and recognises that many of those experiencing homelessness have additional support needs, including addiction. The main focus of the provision of housing to those in need is social housing support, the overarching aim of which is to ensure that households who do not have sufficient resources to meet their accommodation needs are provided with adequate housing. In order to qualify for social housing support, the household must be deemed to be eligible for and in need of support and being placed on a housing waiting list. If a household meets the eligibility and need criteria, it qualifies for a suite of social housing supports, including the housing assistance payment, HAP, and is placed on the housing list to be considered for allocation of suitable tenancies in accordance with the authority's allocation scheme. The local authority assesses housing applicants, taking into account factors such as the condition and affordability of existing accommodation, medical and compassionate grounds and so on. The authority then prioritises the needs of approved applicants in accordance with its allocation scheme. The allocation of social housing support to qualified households is a matter for the local authority concerned, in accordance with its allocation scheme as per section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 2009 and associated social housing allocation regulations of 2011. This legislation requires all local authorities, as a reserve function, to make an allocation scheme which specifies among other things, the manner of an order of priority for the allocation of dwellings to households on the housing and transfer lists.

Recognising that a stable home provides the basis for recovery in other areas, the Government has reaffirmed its support for the Housing First programme, with the launch of a new five-year implementation plan at the end of 2021. The priority for Housing First is to support a person who has experienced homelessness into permanent housing as quickly as possible, without any preconditions around addiction or mental health treatment. Then intensive work continues on the issues once the person is housed. These individuals often have complex, high support needs such as mental health or physical health problems, addiction issues or dual diagnoses, that is, the presence of mental ill health and a substance addiction. The implementation of the plan is a joint initiative of the Departments of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Health, the HSE, the criminal justice system and local authorities, supported by NGOs.

I was not aware that those entering residential recovery programmes were removed from the housing list on entering such services. I will discuss that with the Department but I was not aware of it. I am also keen to look at the charter the Deputy spoke about. It is important that any positive proposals that come from the Opposition are given serious consideration. I will certainly take those issues on board. The Deputy mentioned wraparound services which is exactly what we are talking about with Housing First. We will shortly be launching a youth homelessness strategy as well.

I wholeheartedly agree that it is paramount that we treat those in recovery with compassion and offer them a full suite of services to help them through that difficult transition phase out of recovery and into sustainable employment and a better quality of life.

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