Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Boyd Barrett for his question. Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority. Critical to supporting households to exit homelessness is increasing the supply of housing. Record State investment of €4.5 billion has been made available this year to support the largest State home-building programme ever, including 9,100 new-build social homes and 5,500 affordable homes.

Budget 2023 allocated funding of more than €215 million for the delivery of homelessness services. On 29 November, an additional €102 million was approved by the Cabinet by way of a Supplementary Estimate for the provision of homeless services in 2023. This brings the total now to €217 million for homelessness services.

Local authorities have been sanctioned to acquire at least 1,500 social homes, mainly focused on acquiring properties where a social housing tenant has received a notice of termination due to a landlord’s intention to sell the property. For private tenants at risk of homelessness who are not in receipt of social housing supports, the cost-rental tenant in situscheme has also been introduced.

Housing for All includes measures to enhance family support and prevention and early intervention services for children and their families through a multiagency and co-ordinated response, and the dissemination of innovative practice. There is also a measure to identify and provide enhanced tenancy sustainment supports to families experiencing long-term homelessness to help them exit from homelessness and maintain their homes. These actions are being delivered in conjunction with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Tusla. I continue to work with the national homeless action committee to ensure there is a continued focus by the various stakeholders to support households and individuals experiencing homelessness.

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