Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Fitzpatrick very much and I join with him and take the opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who work with homeless charities and the services they provide. We thank them for their work. They provide a very valuable service and support.

When it comes to public funding and the State's response to homelessness, it is important that we ensure there is proper co-ordination of the response of different bodies which are operating throughout the country. While responsibility for the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities, the administration of homeless services is organised on a regional basis throughout the country. We have nine administrative regions currently in place and County Louth is included in the north-east region for the purpose of homelessness administration, with Louth County Council designated as the lead authority for the region. If there are particular charities which feel they should be getting some or more support from the State, it is best that that case be made through the relevant administrative region which is in place. In the case of the Deputy's own county, his own local authority is the designated body in that respect.

In overall terms, the budget a few weeks ago provided funding of €242 million to be made available for the delivery of homeless services in 2024. That is a 12% increase on 2023. It will ensure that local authorities can provide essential emergency accommodation, homeless prevention, and tenancy sustainment services also, including Housing First, which I know has been very successful. I have seen many examples of it myself in practice. Other services are provided to households experiencing or, indeed, who are at risk of homelessness and that work is so important.

The total number in emergency accommodation in Deputy Fitzpatrick's own north-east region is 185 adults, with 34 families and 83 children. During the third quarter of this year, a total of 41 households exited emergency accommodation in County Louth, which is an increase of 95% exiting homelessness on the previous quarter. During the same period 40 households were prevented from entering emergency accommodation by way of a tenancy being created, which is an increase of 25% on the previous quarter. Much good work is being done by the local authority and indeed by the other homeless service providers in the region and I want to acknowledge that work and thank them for it.

If we can improve on the services, on the level of co-ordination, or on the level of support available for those who are on the front line engaging with homeless people, then I am sure that the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, will be very open to that proposal.

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