Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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49. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the situation regarding emergency accommodation in County Wexford which at present is full to capacity with the result that persons in dire need of accommodation are being turned away from its doors and left to fend for themselves; if he is taking specific action to address this problem across the country, in conjunction with the Minister for Social Protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28641/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. In accordance with section 37(2) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.

The solution to the challenge of homelessness is to increase the supply of homes as envisioned under Rebuilding Ireland: An Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness. The Action Plan, published on 19 July 2016, aims to deliver 47,000 units of social housing over the period to 2021 through build, refurbishment, acquisitions and leasing, supported by Exchequer investment of some €5.35 billion. The Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan is available at .

Furthermore, with regard to increased expenditure on emergency accommodation, my Department has provided reassurance to all housing authorities that it will consider recouping additional costs arising as a result of unforeseen expenditure incurred due to increased rates of homeless presentation.