Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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573. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on Dublin City Council drawing down funds for Traveller accommodation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42721/15]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller accommodation programmes are a matter for individual housing authorities. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding. The efficient and effective use of funding is a matter for individual local authorities, in this case Dublin City Council.

The 2015 Dublin City Council allocation is €366,299, of which €44,795 has been drawn down to date. However, I understand that a number of claims have very recently been received from the Council and these are currently been processed for recoupment to the Council. My Department will continue to engage with Dublin City Council in relation to the drawdown of funding before year-end.