Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons and households living in accommodation that is designated as emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36734/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Local authorities are responsible for meeting the accommodation needs of homeless persons. It is consequently a matter for individual authorities to determine the level of emergency accommodation to be provided, having regard to the need for such accommodation within their areas.

The number of persons and households living in accommodation that is designated as emergency fluctuates from time to time due to the demand-led nature of emergency accommodation. Under section 9 of the Housing Act 1988, local authorities are required to carry out an assessment of the overall need for social housing on a triennial basis. The most recent assessment took place in March 2008 and results, including those in relation to homelessness, will be finalised and published as soon as possible. This will enable information to be provided in relation to the occupancy of the various categories of homeless accommodation.