Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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205. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he has issued any guidelines or circulars to local authorities in Dublin and-or the Dublin Region Homeless Executive on travel supports or funding for families placed in emergency homeless accommodation, in particular in respect of school travel costs; if so, if a copy of the guidelines or circulars issued will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35985/20]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness is a priority for this Government and a range of measures are in place which reflect that priority.

My Department is funding an initiative to provide homeless families residing in temporary emergency accommodation in the Dublin Region with access to free public transport for essential school journeys. The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) oversees the implementation of this initiative and, working in partnership with the National Transport Authority, has put arrangements in place for the provision of Leap cards to the families concerned. These Leap cards provide for free public transport for school-going children and accompanying adults, where necessary. My Department has not issued a circular or guidance in relation to travel supports or funding for leap cards.

Additionally the Community Welfare Service of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection may consider, on a case-by-case basis, the needs of an individual household in respect of exceptional transport costs.