Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reply to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14419/10]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 14 of 25 February 2010 which sets out the position generally regarding the implementation of the Government's Homeless Strategy and the Implementation Plan for the Strategy. I indicated in that reply that work was proceeding to procure additional accommodation specifically for homeless households. Arising from this work, I announced, on 29 March 2010, an enhanced package of measures, building on existing schemes, to help local authorities to accelerate progress towards their targets for providing long-term housing for homeless people. A key element is the allocation of €20 million in capital funding specifically for the procurement of accommodation by approved housing bodies for homeless people under this programme.

This funding will be available, in conjunction with funding under the social housing leasing initiative, to leverage the procurement of the maximum number of properties either through leasing or purchase using private funding or, potentially, borrowing from the Housing Finance Agency. The programme also involves certain other financial enhancements and other measures to maximise effectiveness and speed of delivery of accommodation.