Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Oireachtas committee members who have taken such an interest in the Spring Lane halting site. I am aware of the ombudsman's report. It is disappointing to hear from all three Deputies that things have not improved after the site having been visited and funding provided. I agree wholeheartedly that these issues need to be addressed urgently. I am taking this Topical Issue matter on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien.

The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that local authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller accommodation programmes in their areas in order to meet the identified accommodation needs. The role of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is to ensure there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.

The 2022 budget provision is €18 million, an increase of €2.5 million on 2021, and I am pleased to note this will increase further in 2023, to €20 million. The full capital provision of €15.5 million was expended in 2021 providing Traveller-specific accommodation and, this year, is on course for full spend.

Cork City Council is working on a range of measures in response to the recommendations in No End in Site, the report of the Ombudsman for Children's Office, in order to improve conditions on the halting site. I am informed by the Minister's office that the council is focusing on immediate short-term measures, as well as progressing projects to provide a longer-term response to the accommodation needs of the families on site. The Department undertakes regular monthly meetings with Cork City Council in order to monitor progress by the council, while also ensuring the necessary supports are available in a timely manner. To this end, the Department has provided funding of more than €1.4 million for improvement works at Spring Lane halting site since 2015. In addition, a mediator funded by the Department has been appointed to assist the council in assessing the needs of individual families on a continuous basis to establish long-term housing solutions.

The Department is informed that the city council is working towards publishing a Part 8 planning application for the redevelopment of both Spring Lane and Ellis Yard as well as a third local authority development which will provide long-term accommodation for the families. Funding of more than €6 million has been approved by the Department for plans under way by the council for the development of a group housing scheme at the adjacent and disused Ellis Yard site. In addition, Cork City Council is preparing a number of applications under the pilot caravan loan scheme, introduced by the Department, which supports the provision of Traveller-specific accommodation by providing preferential loans to Travellers to purchase their own caravan for use as their primary residence on halting sites.

Meeting the needs of all Traveller communities continues to be a priority for the local authorities and the Department under my colleagues, the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke.

I have been working closely with Travellers in respect of mental health. Last week, I was at Pavee Point when a new website at youngpavee.iewas launched. The website is entitled Mind Your Nuck. Nuck means head. I was delighted to work with young Travellers that day. In the context of providing mental health supports for Travellers, it is important to note that this is a cross-departmental issue that may involve inadequate housing, social welfare or education, and the relevant Departments have to work together. I have noticed that the mental health of Travellers can be seriously impacted by their living conditions. Although I see that the Minister has put the financial supports in place, it is disappointing that little has changed heading into winter.

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