Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 388: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will commit to maintaining the level of funding for the homeless at its current level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40553/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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It is a statutory function of housing authorities under section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 to implement appropriate measures to address homelessness in their areas. Accordingly, implementation of the Homeless Strategy in any area is primarily the responsibility of the relevant housing authority or authorities. This role will be underpinned further by provisions in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 relating to statutory local Homelessness Action Plans, Homelessness Consultative Fora and Management Groups, which, when commenced shortly, will result in an enhanced framework and process for planning, co-ordination, delivery and monitoring of homeless services in each area.

My Department recoups 90% of approved expenditure by housing authorities on homeless accommodation and related services. Allocations for this purpose to individual authorities in 2009 have been maintained at the same level as in 2008. Allocations for 2010 will have to be considered in the context of the funding available in the estimates for next year.