Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 659 and 660 together.

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. 

Traveller-specific projects and developments are focused on group housing schemes and halting sites.  This includes meeting Traveller-specific housing needs through a range of mechanisms, including the provision of mobiles and caravans; the provision and refurbishment of halting sites and bays with sites; the refurbishment and extension of existing group housing; the return to use of void group housing; and the provision of new group housing.

In 2017, €4.8m was recouped to local authorities in respect of 200 units of Traveller accommodation.  In 2018, my Department recouped €6.3m in respect of 107 units of Traveller  accommodation.