Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons and related services rests with housing authorities. My Department provides funding to housing authorities towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services under Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988. Housing authorities provide additional funding from their own resources. Funding from my Department for homeless services has been substantially protected over recent years, despite the significant pressure for reductions in Government spending across all Departments. In 2014, my Department’s funding for homelessness was maintained at the 2013 level of €45 million. Individual regional allocations were also maintained at the same level as 2013 and €649,707 was allocated in respect of the Midlands Region.

The Budget 2015 announcement confirmed that an additional €10.5 million will be available, through my Department, for homeless accommodation and related services across the country in 2015. This is an increase in funding of over 20% bringing the Exchequer contribution to €55.5 million. My Department is currently considering the appropriate allocation of this funding so as to ensure that Section 10 homelessness funding contributes to meeting the needs in the various regions. The additional funding will ensure continued progress toward the achievement of the 2016 target of ending involuntary long-term homelessness and will assist in meeting commitments outlined in the Implementation Plan on the State’s Response to Homelessness.