Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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47. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to end long-term homelessness by 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8874/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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On 20 May 2014, the Implementation Plan on the State's Response to Homelessnesswas published in which the Government's approach to delivery on its objective of ending involuntary long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 was outlined. A copy of this plan is available on my Department's website at the following link: .

This plan sets out a range of measures to secure a ring-fenced supply of accommodation to house homeless households within the next three years and mobilise the necessary supports. Progress in implementing the plan is reported quarterly through the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform and a copy of the Quarter 3 2014 Progress Report is also available on my Department's website at the link provided above.

On 4 December 2014, I hosted a special Summit on Homelessness to reaffirm the Government's commitment to end involuntary long-term homelessness by the end of 2016. A number of actions arising from the Summit were considered at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform on 8 December and were then formalised into an Action Plan to Address Homelessnesswhich was noted by the Government at its meeting on 9 December 2014. A copy of this action plan is available on my Department’s website at the link provided above. Progress in implementing this plan is overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform and a copy of the most recent progress report is also available on my Department’s website at the link provided above.

In addition to those actions which constitute an immediate response to the issue of rough sleeping in Dublin, actions have been identified which tackle the more systemic issues, classified under the three categories of the ‘housing-led’ approach. While the intervention ensured that there was enough emergency accommodation available for all those sleeping rough over the Christmas and New Year period who wished to avail of it, the additional capacity provided in December is fully occupied. The number and availability of emergency beds is being monitored closely by Dublin City Council which is working to expand provision and secure additional facilities so that further beds can be brought on stream.

Where a homeless person does not want to be placed in emergency accommodation, the Housing First intake street team will refer the person to the new Nite Café which is now fully operational and which I understand is working well, with consistent demand for its services. The Nite Café links in with the new Transport with support services for those sleeping rough as an integral part of the Housing First service. This initiative transports homeless persons to emergency accommodation and provides them with the necessary health and care supports in conjunction with other State providers.

My Department is liaising with South Dublin County Council regarding NAMA property which will be purchased to provide accommodation and a single assessment centre for homeless families. In addition, as set out in the Action Plan, Dublin City Council is re-examining its vacant properties currently scheduled for demolition with a view to refurbishing some of them on a temporary basis and my Department is engaging directly with the Council with a view to progressing the proposed development of specific sites.

The long-term solution to homelessness is to increase the supply of homes. In November 2014, I launched the Government’s Social Housing Strategy 2020. This six-year strategy sets out to provide 35,000 new social housing units at a cost of €3.8 billion and restores the State to a central role in the provision of social housing through, inter alia, a resumption of direct building on a significant scale by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies.

Additional funding for homeless services across the country in 2015 will ensure continued progress toward the achievement of the Government's target of ending involuntary long-term homelessness by the end of 2016. My Department is currently considering the appropriate allocation of the 2015 homelessness budget so as to ensure that the needs in the various regions are met.