Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. 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.

As part of the capital funding supports provided by my Department, funding of 50% is provided to housing authorities for the purchase of ‘Emergency Replacement Mobiles’. A ‘demountable’ falls into the category of a mobile, as it is not considered to be permanent accommodation in accordance with building standards. An emergency in this respect is an unanticipated event, such as flood/storm/fire damage, that would render a caravan uninhabitable or dangerous to live in. Emergency is not where a caravan falls into disrepair over time due to lack of maintenance, as this can be foreseen and preventative action taken by the owner/local authority. Also, overcrowding is not deemed as an emergency situation, as this is something which should be managed within the housing authority’s social housing waiting list or Traveller Accommodation Programme.

In respect of the case referred to in the Question, my Department has not received a request for funding from Galway County Council towards the cost of a demountable.