Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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585. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware of an ongoing situation (details supplied); the steps he will take to resolve it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42827/15]

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, designed to meet these needs, rests with individual housing authorities, in this case Donegal County Council. 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.

Accordingly, the issues raised in the report in relation to the two families are solely a matter for Donegal County Council. However, I understand that the Council are aware of the situation regarding these families and are working closely with them and Donegal Travellers Project on an on-going basis with a view to addressing their long-term accommodation needs.