Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

379. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of single persons and families in each county whose jobseeker's allowance and one-parent family allowance claims have been closed due to being unable to provide an address due to a homelessness crisis to date in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32719/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The statistics as requested by the Deputy are not available. The jobseekers allowance and one-parent family schemes are subject to a means test and in order to carry out a means test the customer must be available and contactable at a given address. Where it is not possible to discern the means of an applicant, the claim may be suspended or closed. The specific closure reason outlined by the Deputy is not recorded on the Department’s systems.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

380. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the provision of emergency income allowances being made for homeless families presenting in County Kildare; the process for these families in crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32720/14]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

382. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views whether it is fair and equitable that homeless families and single persons who are presenting in Dublin are being accommodated in emergency accommodation, that provision is made for them to collect social welfare payments and that they are entitled to access advice from housing specialists, while those in commuter towns, including in County Kildare, are prevented from accessing any such emergency supports; the way she intends to address this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32730/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 382 together.

The primary responsibility for provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with local authorities. Kildare County Council have staff and arrangements in place to provide emergency support to persons who find themselves homeless. The Community Welfare Service and Mid-Leinster rents unit work closely with County Council staff in these situations to ensure all necessary service and entitlements are provided in each instance to ensure a process that is as seamless as possible.

The range of emergency supports is broadly similar in all areas. Because of the scale of homelessness in Dublin, services are organised centrally. Similar emergency supports are available to homeless people within Kildare and other areas outside of Dublin, though accessed differently. In instances where persons present as homeless they are normally referred to the Homeless Service of Kildare County Council where an assessment of their accommodation need is made and emergency accommodation provided where necessary. The Department’s role with regard to persons who are homeless is mainly income maintenance which is considered by departmental staff in liaison with the Kildare County Council homeless officers.