Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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366. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans for Christmas festivities for the 1,500-plus children living in hotel rooms and guesthouses; if he has directed officials to organise an event in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42586/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I and my Government colleagues are extremely concerned about the issue of homelessness. The Government continues to work hard to house families living in hotel rooms and guest houses.

A number of measures to strengthen supports for families with children have been included in the social welfare Budget package for 2016, which was announced by the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection. A Christmas Bonus payment (seventy five percent) to over 1.2 million long-term social welfare recipients, such as pensioners, people with disabilities, carers and long-term jobseekers, has been announced and will be paid at a cost of €197 million.

As regards areas under my remit, my officials and those of Tusla are working closely with colleagues on a cross-government basis regarding the issue of child protection in emergency accommodation. Tusla and the Dublin Region Homeless Executive are currently developing a joint protocol which includes guidance on working with families where child protection concerns arise within emergency homeless accommodation. Significant progress has been made to date and there is a commitment to finalising a draft of the protocol for consultation as soon as possible.

No plans have been made by my Department to organise a Christmas event for the children referred to in the Deputy's question.