Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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392. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans as part of the annual cold weather homeless initiative. [22829/20]

Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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440. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the cold weather initiative for rough sleepers will be introduced; the increased capacity of same by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22414/20]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 440 together.

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. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and associated services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.

The cold weather arrangements involve the introduction of additional bed capacity to ensure that there is shelter available for individuals experiencing homelessness who may be at risk of rough sleeping. Depending on the particular local requirements, local authorities may also introduce additional measures such as extended opening hours of homeless facilities and extended outreach services. The cold weather arrangements are typically introduced in November and additional funding is provided by my Department to meet the additional costs associated with these measures. Since my appointment, I have been working closely with the local authorities, including the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, on a range of homeless issues, including the arrangements for winter period.

The overriding objective is to provide long-term homes for all individuals experiencing homelessness. Individuals accessing homeless services are supported by local authorities and their NGO service delivery partners to secure a home, utilising the various social housing supports.