Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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14. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the obligations that are set out in respect of a housing authority where there is a refusal to provide emergency accommodation for families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22316/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Under the Housing Act 1988, it is a matter for the housing authority concerned to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless. Any person regarded as homeless by a housing authority may be placed into temporary emergency accommodation, which the housing authority may arrange itself or which may be operated by a State-funded service provider, without the requirement to undergo a social housing assessment and be approved for social housing supports.

I am not considering any amendment to the existing arrangements. I believe that they give housing authorities the flexibility that is essential to respond quickly and effectively to the various needs of cases that may present to them. I am satisfied that local authorities make every reasonable effort to address the accommodation needs of those individuals and families presenting as homeless, supported by significant resources provided by my Department. In that regard, some €55.5m is being provided for homelessness services this year, some €10.5m more than the initial allocation in 2014.

Addressing issues in relation to homelessness will continue to be a top priority for me and my Department, working with local authorities and service providers.