Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 367: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the financial difficulties that are arising for a project (details supplied) in County Meath; the action he will take to resolve such financial difficulties to ensure the service provided by the group does not result in a negative impact on the service users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43602/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Housing authorities have statutory responsibility for homeless accommodation and other related services and any proposals in this regard are a matter for consideration in the first instance by the relevant housing authority.

The housing authority must establish the need for the service and determine the level of emergency/transitional accommodation and related services to be provided, having regard to the need for such accommodation and services within their area. Local authorities must ensure that maximum efficiency and value for money are achieved, and accordingly, services and associated costs must be determined strictly in accordance with evidenced need, and on the basis of rigorous appraisal of the type and level of service that is warranted and the cost involved.

My Department currently recoups expenditure in respect of two outreach workers in Meath. I understand that the issue of funding for an outreach worker for the Supported Transitional Housing Project in Windtown, Navan, Co. Meath, is currently being examined by the local authority.