Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the breakdown of the funding that has been made available over the past ten years under section 10 of the Housing Act 1988; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36771/06]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the tenancy sustainment programmes supported by his Department for homeless people who have been provided with a housing unit; if he will take further such action in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36956/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 327 and 352 together.

Local authorities are responsible for meeting the accommodation needs of homeless persons. It is a matter for individual authorities to determine the level and category of accommodation and related supports to be provided, having regard to the need for such services in their areas. My Department recoups to local authorities 90% of their expenditure on accommodation and related services, including tenancy sustainment, for homeless persons in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988. Details of Section 10 expenditure by my Department over the past 10 years are set out in the table.

The figures for 2004 and 2005 reflect a reorientation in homeless accommodation provision from high-cost short-term private emergency accommodation to transitional and longer term accommodation, coupled with a decline in homeless numbers, particularly in the Dublin area. Local authorities operate a wide range of tenancy sustainment services for formerly homeless persons, including the employment of resettlement workers who engage in a variety of such activities. My Department does not have a comprehensive listing of such services. Examples of some recent tenancy sustainment initiatives include the Dublin City Tenancy Sustainment Service, established through the Homeless Agency and operated by Dublin Simon; and the Midlands Regional Settlement Service, operated by Midlands Simon; both of which have been approved for funding by my Department.

In the context of the local authority Housing Action Plans 2004 to 2008, renewed focus is being placed on the provision of long-term accommodation together with the supports necessary to enable homeless persons to move into independent living. Local authorities have been urged to address this issue in relation to their own accommodation and in discussions with the voluntary sector active in the housing area. The need for particular focus on the development of long-term accommodation, with necessary support services such as tenancy sustainment, as opposed to emergency homeless accommodation such as bed and breakfast, is one of the main recommendations of the Independent Review of Homeless Strategies, which was published earlier this year. This issue will be taken forward in the context of a revised Government strategy on homelessness, which is being prepared by my Department.