Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1245. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if temporary water supplies installed at Traveller sites nationally during Covid-19 will be retained into the future; if they are to be withdrawn as the pandemic subsides; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9424/20]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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.   It is a matter for each local authority to assess the adequacy of provisions on sites (both authorised and unauthorised) and implement measures as necessary, taking into consideration advice from the HSE, fire safety guidelines, local area plans, public procurement guidelines and any other considerations relevant to their area.

Covid-related provisions will be kept under regular review with reference to ongoing Government advice and guidance on the matter.